Rise

What does the word “king” mean to you?

Jesus is unlike any other king that has ever ruled. He sees the darkness of our selfish hearts, yet, He offers mercy and forgiveness to save anyone who surrenders their life to Him (John 3:16, Romans 8:1). He is supremely powerful to free us from the chains of our own iniquity, and it is His kindness – not coercive strength – that leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4).

He is higher and greater than anything in the universe, yet He goes to battle for the outcast. No one is ever too far away to escape His notice, concern, grace, or acceptance (Acts 2:38-39).

Human authorities unjustly and brutally murdered Jesus, yet it was through His crucifixion and resurrection that sin and death met their ultimate defeat (1 Corinthians 15:54-55).

Matchless Savior. Bondage Breaker. Fearless Fighter. Death Defier.

“That’s my King!”

So, what does it mean for us to be part of His kingdom?

Many of us will never know what it means to live as a subject to a monarch in an earthly kingdom. But, for Christ-followers, the call of scripture is clearly to surrender to the kingship of the Lord Jesus (1 Timothy 6:15). If Jesus is to be our king, then no one and nothing else can be. It’s that simple.

The claim of His Lordship upon our lives means that everything in heaven and earth belongs to Him and falls under His control (1 Chronicles 29:11). Therefore, to RISE, we must first be humbled under the mighty hand of God and give Him our hearts as we seek the Holy Spirit (1 Peter 5:6).

And, the beauty of God’s Kingdom is that it is both now and still to come. Jesus came to the earth to usher in His Kingdom. And Jesus is inviting you on an adventure to be active participants in ushering in His Kingdom – right now.

But catch this, the best is yet to come! The fullness of God’s Kingdom will not be realized until Christ’s return and the establishment of the new heaven and the new earth (Revelation 21:1).

So, now is the time to RISE! Now is the time – more than ever before – for the Church to lift praises to King Jesus in every part of our lives. Let’s magnify and exalt Christ. This is where revival and spiritual awakening are born. When the Church answers the call… to RISE.

Reflect:  

What other “kings” have you given allegiance to? What areas of your life have you withheld from Christ’s control?

How is the Holy Spirit calling you to participate in ushering in His Kingdom?