We know nothing of lasting kingdoms. In America, every four years, we either re-elect our leader or kick them out. Plus, there’s midterms and local elections, run-offs. The bottom line is: we’ve built a system of disposable leaders.
Not so with God’s kingdom. His kingdom has always been. The High King of heaven has no term limits.
His dominion is an everlasting dominion
that will not pass away,
and his kingdom is one
that will never be destroyed.
—Daniel 7:14
Christmas morning was not Christ’s coronation, and His crucifixion was not a coup. He was King in the cradle and King on the cross. King as a crown of thorns pierced His royal brow and King as He burst from the grave with our freedom as His spoils. He is King today. He will be King forevermore.
Christ’s forever kingdom shifts our response to our ever-changing kingdoms. A day is coming when every knee from every nation will bow to the One deserving of our allegiance and adoration. The more our human leaders fail us, the more we praise the One who cannot forsake His own.
“‘His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will serve and obey him’” (Daniel 7:27).
As we look ahead to a new year, the only thing certain is that nothing is certain. From your personal comfort to our national stability, anything can happen (and often does). When that makes your hands tremble or your stomach tie itself in knots, consider the chorus that echoes through heaven’s corridors.
Blessing and honor and glory and power
be to the one seated on the throne,
and to the Lamb, forever and ever!
—Revelation 5:13
It’s true: power is slippery. All earthly kingdoms are destined to fall. Political boundaries will be drawn and redrawn. Yet, in every election cycle and leadership transition, we have this unmovable hope, “Of the increase of [Christ’s] government and of peace there will be no end” (Isaiah 9:7 ESV).
Find your fortitude in this: the King of kings will reign forever. When our world feels unsteady, lift your eyes. Lift your arms. Lift your heart. Then rest your weary bones and know—the King is on His throne.
Forever and ever, He shall reign! Hallelujah!!
Amen! This devotional is outstanding! I am so encouraged! Thank you Erin for your clear and encouraging words!
The King of kings will reign forever!! That’s all I need to hear this morning. I am comforted by these words. Good morning sweet SRT sisters and Happy Friday!
Thank you all for your sweet prayers! I’ve read every one of them and they truly mean so much. My goal for this next year is to truly surrender control and put it in the hands of the lord. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” Proverbs 3:5-6. I know God has a hand in all our peaks and valleys. @Rhonda J. Your words are always so encouraging and you truly are such a light! @cassidy praying for sweet friend!
In the two days left of 2022… “I remember the days of old; I meditate on all You have done; I reflect on the work of Your hands.” (Psalm 143:5 CSB). Thank You Lord, for the rainstorm this morning, it is a picture of Your abundant love… “I spread out my hands to You; I am like a parched land before You.” (v. 6). As I look ahead to the first hours of a new year I pray… “Let me experience Your faithful love in the morning, for I trust You. Reveal to me the way I should go because I appeal to You.” (v. 8). “Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God, May Your gracious Spirit lead me on level ground.” (v. 10). There are some who fear the future, “people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world…” (Luke 21:26). But we who have Jesus are safe and secure in Him. He calls us to watch ourselves “lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and the cares of this life… but stay awake at all times, praying that we may have strength to escape… and stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:24-36). The Kingdom of God is near. I can see the light getting brighter as I draw nearer to Him, pure and uncreated light that has come to us in love and mercy to shine in our days. The Ancient of Days has given Jesus dominion and glory and a kingdom for us to serve in, to share in. Such amazing truth. It will be ours too… (read Daniel 7). So, 2023? To God be the glory. This new year is in His hands. Remember the old, look for the new, live well in the present with Jesus. Maranatha.
Loved this advent study! Today’s demo reminded me of a quote by James Bryan Smith:
“I am one in whom Christ dwells and delights.
I live in the strong and unshakable kingdom of God.
The kingdom is not in trouble and neither am I.”
He reigns now and forever! His Kingdom has never and will never be in trouble. This truth settles over me like a cozy blanket, bringing peace and comfort and JOY.
Happy (almost) New Year dear She’s!
25 “And there will be signs in sun and moon and stars, and on the earth distress of nations in perplexity because of the roaring of the sea and the waves, 26 people fainting with fear and with foreboding of what is coming on the world. For the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 27 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 Now when these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.” – Luke 21:25-28
Praise God! He will always reign forever!