PSLAM 47:5-8: “God ascends among shouts of joy, the Lord, with the sound of trumpets. Sing praise to God, sing praise; sing praise to our King, sing praise! Sing a song of wisdom, for God is King of the whole earth. God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne.” CSB
OBSERVATION: Is the world out of control? Is there hope for the human race? Will the earth end in the next 12 years because of global warming? Will a nuclear war destroy all of mankind?
I remember growing up in a similar time of uncertainty. We were in the midst of the Cold War against the Soviet Union. The threat of a nuclear war was hanging over our heads every day. I went to school at a small Lutheran school. We had a classroom filled with old wooden desks. The teacher would be giving her lesson, and then the siren would sound. We knew what this meant. We all quickly took our place under our desks. It was a bomb drill. We lived with a regular reminder that a nuclear war could strike at any moment.
Today we live with many more threats. There is the threat of a terrorist attack around every corner. Now, it is not only Russia who has a nuclear weapon, it is small rogue nations that also pose a threat. To believe the news, we will be swallowed up in floods in 12 years time if we don’t change the way we live immediately. And then, there is the threat of a financial meltdown that can wipe away all of our savings and the hard work of an entire lifetime. Is anyone in control?
The Psalmist brings us words of comfort and hope!
- “God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne.”
In the midst of all these uncertainties, for the believer there remains one constant – God is seated on his holy throne!. I have read the beginning of the Bible that outlines the creation of the world, and I have read the book of Revelation that outlines the end of the world. And in it all one things remains constant. God is in control! Nothing catches the God of all creation by surprise. He reigns over this world and over the nations. While everything may seem to be spinning out of control, the Lord is bringing all of human history to its purposed close. And the wonderful news for the child of God is,
- “Then I heard a loud voice from the throne: Look, God’s dwelling is with humanity, and he will live with them. They will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them and will be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away.” Revelation 21:3-4 CSB
Notice where the loud voice comes from. It comes from the throne. God is seated on his holy throne. He is guiding the courses of history. He is reigning over the nations. Our only hope is in Him. Jesus Christ is the victorious lamb of God who is leading God’s people to victory. Jesus is the only hope for the nations, the only hope for mankind. Jesus Christ is our Savior, Baptizer with the Holy Spirit, our Healer, and our soon coming King! He is still on the throne!
The early church understood this truth. They were looking with anticipation for the soon return of Jesus Christ. They were not concerned with changing or overturning the Roman Government. The mission and call upon their lives was to proclaim the Good News of salvation in Jesus Christ. They knew that the Kingdom of God was not a kingdom of this world. It was a kingdom established in the hearts of each man and woman who believed. And they wanted to reach every man and woman possible before Jesus returned!
What was the result? They turned the world upside down. They impacted the culture of their day. Their influence and proclamation of the Gospel changed governmental structures. This was not their intent. Yet, it was the outcome. Why? Because changed hearts bring eyes of faith to their appointment in life. Changed hearts in the marketplace bring honesty and integrity to business dealings. Changed hearts in the government bring justice and mercy to legislation. Changed lives are our only hope!
There is only one thing that can change a life. It is faith in Jesus Christ. When a person is born again they receive a new heart and new spirit. The Holy Spirit takes up residence and begins a life long transformational process of the heart that changes everything. It changes how we view life and how we live life. The shackles of sin are broken and the floods of mercy and forgiveness are released. The Holy Spirit begins His work of molding every area of our life into the image of Jesus Christ. Only a changed heart can change the world!
Lord, as we move into another political cycle, help me to remember what my most important calling is. It is not to be swallowed up in the 24/7 news coverage, or to fret over the future of the world. It is to remember that You reign over the nations and that You are still on Your holy throne. It is to fulfill the one and most important call that You have given.
- “Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to me in heaven and on earth. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20 CSB
In Jesus Name!
(If you would like to learn more about this “Good News,” go to http://www.smashwords.com. When the page opens, do a search for Kirk L. Zehnder. It will lead you to a free E-Book entitled “GOOD NEWS – The Gospel of Jesus Christ from Genesis to Revelation.”)
