Christ's Reign and Rule
Scripture Reading — Revelation 11:15-19
If we endure, we will also reign with him.
As Christ reigns and rules forever, we also will live and reign with him forever.
Genesis 1-2 and Psalm 8 remind us that God made us the crown of his creation and appointed us to take care of it and rule over it for his glory. Because of sin we forfeited our ability to do this completely, but Christ has succeeded in reigning over creation as a fully human being who is also fully God.
So let us look forward to the final day when the reign and rule of Christ is perfectly realized.
In the meantime, let us not forget that we are even now reigning with our Savior. Sin no longer has dominion over those who believe in Jesus, for we live in the gracious era in which we have been adopted as God’s children (Romans 8:14-17; Galatians 3:26-4:7). By the power of the Holy Spirit, we can now conquer sin and grow in holiness. We are also free from the tyranny of the law. Forgiven in Christ, we may fulfill the royal law of love in serving our Creator.
We may not often think of ourselves as kings and queens who rule over (take care of) creation, but this result of being saved in Christ connects us with who we are created to be in the first place. Our salvation sets us back on our rightful throne.
Lord, you have set us to rule with you in this world. Help us to be victorious over sin today, care wisely for your creation, and act with your love and justice for all. Amen.
About the author — Pete Byma
Pete Byma has served as a pastor of congregations in Michigan and in Washington state. Serving now as a pastor in Grand Rapids, Michigan, he is also a consultant/coach for churches experiencing conflict, and he enjoys equipping and establishing people in ministry. He is married to Cheri, and they have four grown children and six grandchildren. Pete is also a registered soccer official and enjoys bicycling.
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