OWNING AND RULING
Part thirteen of fifteen devotions in Heaven Enchantment Series
Matthew 5:5: “Blessed are the
meek, for they will inherit the earth.”
Meek does not mean wimp. Jesus uses meek as an attitude before God. Specifically, humility. “The
earth” in the opening Scripture refers to New Earth, the land that Revelation
21:1 promises. Believers are being
groomed to inherit earth and for rule-readiness right now.
The
earthly stage is proving ground that show believers who we truly are. Areas of needed growth are highlighted. Correct perspective and balance will develop
through earthly-life apprenticeship under Lord Jesus. - Today’s lives shape
believers into leadership.
Jesus hints these truths in passages that people
often don’t take seriously: “Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the kingdom of
their Father.” (Matthew
13:43). Luke 14:11 says, “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who
humbles himself will be exalted.” Remember
Luke 16:10? “Whoever
can be trusted with little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is
dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”
Are
you paying attention? Earthly service
determines heavenly service.
The
king owns the kingdom. God owns the
universe. His kingdom is Earth. Clearly, the king’s first-born inherits the
whole kingdom. Romans 8:17 shows
believers-of-Christ to be children of God, co-heirs with Christ. God assigned sovereignty to His Son. “All authority in
heaven and on earth has been given to Me. (Matthew 28:18). Jesus assigns His siblings with kingdom power
in verses 19-20, Therefore, go and make disciples of all
nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the
Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you…”
Since
the king rules the kingdom, his heirs also participate in the family
business. That’s not my idea, it’s
Gods! God governs the universe. He created people as image-bearers, (Genesis
1:27), equipping us to rule. God’s idea
of heaven is to rule the universe as a family.
No bickering allowed.
The
hierarchy of heaven is social. Races,
nationalities, genders, personalities, gifts and passions determine individual’s
unique service. This is what resurrected
beings are created for. We’ll be wired
for the service for which we’re chosen.
Working with pure joy will be our delight.
Check
out the lesson linked below for more evidence of ownership and rule.
Take
Home Nugget
Saints in heaven will rule over other people. And other people will rule over us. “Do you not know that the saints will judge
the world? …Do you not know that you will judge angels?” (2 Corinthians 6:2, 4). Heavenly rule is neither absolute nor
independent. Ruling in heaven is a gift
where saints participate in God’s rule.
“You made him ruler over the works of Your hands; You put everything
under his feet.” (Psalm 8:6).
Believers
will be enabled to guide wisely and encourage those under their rule. Boasting or arrogance will never corrupt
heavenly leadership.
This is my Father’s world, should my
heart be ever sad?
The lord is King—let the heavens ring. God reigns—let the earth be glad.
This is my Father’s world. Now closer to Heaven bound,
For dear to God is the earth Christ trod.
No place but is holy ground.
The lord is King—let the heavens ring. God reigns—let the earth be glad.
This is my Father’s world. Now closer to Heaven bound,
For dear to God is the earth Christ trod.
No place but is holy ground.
Maltbie D. Babcock, 1901
This devotion is adapted from Heaven.
Chapter 21, “Will We Actually Rule with Christ?” Subtitle1 “Why Are We Surprised Why
We’ll Rule the Earth?” Subtitle2
“Our Inheritance: Owning and Ruling the Land”
Subtitle3 “Should we want to Rule?” Subtitle4 “Whose Idea is Our Rulership?”
Subtitle5 “Looking
Forward to What God Has for Us.” Alcorn,
Randy. © 2004. Tyndale House of
Publishers, Inc. Illinois.
J.D. Griffith
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