“BUT YOU ARE A CHOSEN PEOPLE, SET ASIDE TO BE A ROYAL ORDER OF PRIESTS, A HOLY NATION, GOD’S OWN; SO THAT YOU MAY PROCLAIM THE WONDROUS ACTS OF THE ONE WHO CALLED YOU OUT OF DARKNESS INTO SHIMMERING LIGHT.” 1 PETER 2:9
Have you ever read something that just left you thirsty for more? Hungry for truth? Well, yesterday, I was reading about King Hezekiah in Lysa TerKeurst's new book, Trustworthy, when these words reached out to my parched heart...
Corrupted human kingship is about taking possession of the earth and using power to control others. Divinely instituted kingship is quite different. It seeks to re-establish God's sovereignty on the earth in line with the divine mandate given to human beings when first created. Because these two forms of kingship are mutually incompatible, they naturally come into conflict. T.Desmond Alexander, Theologian
These words reminded me that I am His, adopted into the family of God and therefore given divinely instituted high descent through Jesus Christ. Because HE is King and I am His daughter, I am called to carry myself in all manners in a way that honors His authority, HIS Kingship. Having that mindset doesn't display earthly kingship that glorifies myself, but it glorifies God and declares "JESUS IS LORD!" All the while, there is an enemy in our midst. He seeks to kill us, steal the crown, and destroy everything that God holds dear - you and me. The enemy is determined to convince you that you are a failure and that what God says is true for everyone else but you. The enemy wants to usurp the kingdom, have you to lay down your weapons, and surrender. Warriors wounded from fighting the battle on our own, we feel defeated and ashamed.
But then what? Do you become a prisoner of war? Or maybe you go MIA for a while to lick your wounds? Well, today I am reminded that we are called to be women of valor who "dare to do something beautiful for God and become beautiful doing it!" (Marilynn Chadwick, Woman of Valor)
Beloved, I recognize that you've been hurt, that you are walking around wounded, and you may feel like throwing your hands up! But I encourage you to remember who you are and what you mean to the kingdom of God. Don't let your past stop you. Christ is made strong where we are weak. So, let your parched heart drink in the Living Water and renew your strength for battle! Let's pray to have the courage we need to be women of valor under the authority of Jesus Christ, our King! Amen?
