Tag: scepter
The Kingdom Law of Love
Scripture reading for June 2nd: Romans 14, Psalm 110, Proverbs 17
Romans 14:15-19 “For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. So then let us then pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.”
God’s people are governed in His kingdom by the law of love. The central focus is not rules about foods, eating or drinking, or not eating or not drinking. We must all respect our brothers and sisters and their current growth and understanding. Mature believers should limit their liberties to help the younger believers. God’s kingdom rule is one of love and righteousness through faith in Jesus. As we rest in Jesus, we have peace with God and with those around us in HIs kingdom. This promotes joyful living and friendship with God and others.
Psalm 110:1-3 “The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at My right hand, until I make Your enemies Your footstool.” The Lord sends forth from Zion Your mighty scepter. Ride in the midst of Your enemies. Your people will offer themselves freely on the day of Your power, in holy garments; from the womb of the morning, the dew of your youth will be yours.”
Prayer: Father God, I thank You for Your rule of righteousness, peace and joy coming from faith in Your Word and grace through Jesus Christ. Your scepter is one of righteousness! I give myself to You freely to be filled with Your Spirit and love for my brothers and sisters. Make me sensitive to their needs and growth in faith (or the lack of it); that I may love them properly, bring peace, and build them up.
Proverbs 17:17 “A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.”
Jesus the joyful and glorious King!
Scripture reading for March 3rd: Hebrews 1, Psalm 45, Proverbs 14
Hebrews 1:3-4, 8-9 “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature, and He upholds the universe by the Word of His power. After making purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the Name He has inherited is more excellent than theirs.” . . .“But of the Son He says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of Your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness beyond Your companions.”
Hebrews opens with a powerful statement about Jesus Christ, Son of God. The writer of Hebrews stated that Jesus was the full radiance of God’s glory and was an exact representation of God’s nature. Not only that, but the Son of God upholds the entire creation by His powerful Word. After defeat of death and hell on the cross, the Son has taken His rightful place at God’s right hand, ruling with authority. The writer of Hebrews then declares the truth of Psalm 45:6-7 by quoting them as applying to Jesus Christ. Like God, Jesus is an eternal ruler who loves righteousness and hates wickedness. Because of this, the Father anointed His Son with the oil of gladness above all others! He is the meek Son of Man who now is the victorious Son of God calling out to all mankind to join in His glad and glorious and righteous reign!
Psalm 45:4-6 “In Your majesty ride out victoriously for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness; let Your right hand teach you awesome deeds! Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the king’s enemies; the peoples fall under you. Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of Your kingdom is a scepter of uprightness.”
Prayer: Father God, thank You for sending Your Son to earth in the meekness of human flesh. Thank You for raising Him from the dead in victory over sin and death, making a way that all sinners such as I might enjoy an eternal relationship with You. Thank You for the gift of righteousness and the oil of gladness you pour out on all who believe and join in the bridal company awaiting the coming king!
Proverbs 14:34 “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.”
The Son of the Most High!
Scripture reading for March 11th: Numbers 22-25, Luke 1
Key Scriptures: Luke 1:30-33 “And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a Son, and you shall call His Name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to Him the throne of His father David, and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever and of His kingdom there will be no end.”
Luke, inspired by the Holy Spirit, decided to write an account of the birth and life of Jesus Christ, Son of God and Savior of mankind. He wrote here of Mary’s supernatural encounter with Gabriel, an angel of God and special messenger to Israel. The angel announced to Mary that she would conceive and bear a Son. She was to give Him the Name “Jesus.” Her Son would truly be “Son of the Most High.” He would shine as a star and his scepter would rule forever and ever!
Numbers 24:17 “I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel; it shall crush the forehead of Moab and break down all the sons of Sheth.”
Faith Confession and prayer: Lord, thank You for announcing Your plans by the prophets of old and bringing them to pass in the fullness of time. Help me to proclaim the Name of Jesus and His wondrous work of salvation for all mankind.