Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and uphold it with justice and righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. Isaiah 9:7
Merciful Jesus, cynicism and sarcasm have no place in the lives of your followers, so I repent even as I meet with you this morning. Yesterday these twin un-graces certainly got life and played around in my heart as I drove to an appointment. An SUV in front of me looked like a Christmas tree—with blinking lights, ornaments, an angel on top and tinsel in abundance… tacky, but festive. What pushed my button, however, was the big bright bumper-sticker proclaiming, “Jesus Is My Co-Pilot.” Ouch and yikes.
After repenting of my critical spirit, I affirmed then what I reaffirm this morning: Jesus, you’re not our co-pilot, you’re a king—the King of all kings and the Lord of every lord, “the ruler of kings on earth” (Rev. 1:5) and of everything else. The last thing we need in life, or in death, is a co-pilot. Co-crucifixion, co-resurrection and co-heirs of the new heaven and new with you… Hallelujah, yes! Co-pilot, absolutely not.
In full view of the evil of our day, the political instability everywhere, the brokenness of the economy, the inequities and injustices all around us, the sin and foolishness inside of us—it’s centering and comforting to know there’s only one government and one peace sufficient to meet the needs and win the day.
Right now as I pray, you’re ruling the world with your truth and grace. There’s no alarm, consternation or panic in heaven. In the fullness of time you came, and in the fullness of time you will come again. And in the mean time, you are reigning from King David’s throne, which has become for us, a throne of grace.
With zeal and might, you’re working all things together after the counsel of your will. As the Lamb of God, the Lord of Lords, and the Lamp of the New Jerusalem, you’re working in all things for your glory and for our good. No one and nothing can derail, deter, or distract you from bringing to completion your good work of redemption and restoration. You feed the birds and you cloth the fields, just as you number our hairs and days. We praise, adore and bless your holy and sovereign name.
As the gospel of your kingdom continues its transforming work in our lives, may it advance through our lives. As you love us passionately, we would love you missionally—serving in your redeeming story, to your matchless glory, with unspeakable joy. So very Amen we pray, in your mighty and merciful name.
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