Experiencing God's Presence #294

And we shall reign on the earth.

Revelation 5:10, NKJV

Many of the verses about our ruling with Jesus are future-oriented, but some of them aren’t, insisting that we are already a royal priesthood or a nation of priests. Even those that are future-oriented imply that we are preparing for that position now. They give us some sense of present authority to pray and implement God’s mission in this age. Yet most of us pray tentative prayers without any sense of authority and carry out God’s mission as though we are already defeated by the overwhelming tide against us. We may be royal priests, but we don’t act as if we know it.

We need to understand that we are inhabited by the God of the universe and carry His Presence with us wherever we go. We bear the seal of His name. We host His Presence. Instead of letting our external environment shape whatever we feel inside, we need to let our internal environment shape whatever we encounter outside. That may just be a shift in perspective, but a changed perspective can result in changed actions and increased faith. It can have a powerful effect on how we live our lives—and what God does in them.

Look in the mirror each day and remind yourself that you are royalty. Tell yourself that you have priestly access to heaven’s answers for earth’s needs. Remember that this kind of authority is granted to those who drink the cup of Christ and who serve in humility—just to make sure your royal identity doesn’t turn you into a head case on a power trip. Your authority is unlike any the natural world has yet witnessed through its human leaders. But don’t underestimate the privilege given to those who are truly in Him and whose attitude is right. You, your royal highness, are destined for a throne.

Lord, how can I reign with You? That’s hard for me to fathom, but I want to walk in every bit of authority You offer in this age. Please show me how.

From the book