Jesus is reigning over us when we persevere and refuse to let go.
Scripture: Luke 19:11-27
What is amazing and sobering about this passage is it tells us we can start out with God but not end up with Him. Verse 14 says, “But his citizens hated him, and sent a delegation after him, saying, ‘We will not have this man to reign over us.’.” Then verse 27 says, “But bring here those enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, and slay them before me.” The amazing thing is the citizens of verse 14 became the enemies of verse 27 with imminent judgment hanging over their heads. Adversity and character development force choices. The issue is: who will reign? Jesus is reigning over us when we persevere and refuse to let go. The frustration of not seeing fulfilments can yield to the joy of having planted the divine vision in the next generation. Sometimes that takes years of faithfulness in walking before God because our actions are more impacting generationally than words. What has God called us to birth?
PRAYER.
Conquering the Thought Life
I am ever ready to believe the best of every person. I gird up the loins of my mind, and I set my mind and keep it set on what is above—the higher things—not on the things that are on the earth. Whatever is true, whatever is worthy of reverence and is honourable and seemly, whatever is just and pure, whatever is lovely and lovable, whatever is kind, winsome and gracious, if there is any virtue and excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, I will think on and weigh and take account of these things — I fix my mind on them. I have the mind of Christ, the Messiah, and do hold the thoughts (feelings and purposes) of His heart. In the name of Jesus, I practice what I have learned, received, heard, and seen in Christ and model my way of living on it, and the God of peace — of untroubled, undisturbed well-being —is with me.
In Jesus’ name. Amen. Ref. For prayer: 6:20; 13:5,7, 1 Peter 1:13 Colossians 3:2 Philippians 4:8,9