July 3, 2025 -- Psalm 97:1 -- The glorious declaration: the LORD reigns

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People loved by the Father, in the Spirit's power: Sh'ma ~ hear and obey Jesus!

The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice;
let the many coastlands be glad!
Psalm 97:1 ESV
 
The LORD reigns. It could also be rendered the LORD is the King. The phrase is repeated regularly in the Scriptures: Exodus 15:18; I Chronicles 16:31; Psalm 93:1; 99:1; Isaiah 52:7. There are many other instances in Scripture where the reign of the LORD is declared as fact, but that short list will suffice. He has ruled. He does rule. He will rule. There are no rivals. There are no threats to His awesome power.
 
The question can be asked: Why does it have to be repeated? Why does Scripture return to this theme, the LORD reigns?

  • People live as if there is no god.

  • People live as if they will never give account to the Supreme Ruler.

  • People watch cartoons and movies where the gods are depicted as flawed, weak and readily assailable.

  • People are being warned to turn from their wicked ways and trust in the King of Kings and the LORD of lords.

 
By way of contrast to people of the world, believers who read, the LORD reigns, respond to those wondrous words in these ways.

  • Christians rejoice to read the LORD reigns.

  • Christians know God the Father has established the descendant of David upon the eternal throne and Jesus reigns in power.

  • Christians know one day every knee will bow and every tongue confess Jesus Christ is LORD and in doing so will be glory to the Father.

  • Christians know Jesus is perfect, mighty and is defeating all God’s enemies until one day even death itself shall be defeated.

  • Christians know Christ is the King and in the remembrance of such, confess their sins and waywardness. They plead for the Spirit of Jesus to keep them from being enthralled by the world.

 
The declaration that the LORD reigns stirs the soul of the believer to praise God. Though the eye may see this world as a mishmash of fiefdoms and petty rulers and rich people acting as if their riches give them tyrannical power, all men, all women, all people will die and turn to dust. How can dust exercise any power? But those who by faith see Jesus as He is, reigning in majesty even now, such people will at the moment of their death experience the blessing of faith becoming sight. The splendor of Jesus will be revealed and the implications of His rule will become clearer, more magnificent and inspiring through-out eternity.
 
Glorious Father, by the Spirit, give us the eyes of faith to see ever more fully Jesus’ reign over all things. Spirit as we celebrate and acknowledge His rule, assist us to submit more completely to the reign of Jesus. Spirit of the Living God rule in our hearts so that every sin is thrown down, every rebellious thought against the rule of Jesus will be taken captive and submitted to Him. King Jesus, too often Your people act like untamed horses, tossing and resisting You. Gentle us by Your Spirit. Bring us, heart, soul, mind, body, and strength into full submission to You so that we will exercise all the gifts You have given us for Your glory. Blessed God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, thank You for the good work You have begun in us. Thank You that You will bring it to completion so that from the perspective of heaven we will rejoice and bless You all the more for breaking us, gentling us, and lead us in the path of Your righteousness. Amen.
 
https://youtu.be/o-ImfnUqWxg?si=I9V_1f4xWQDifTNL All Praise to Him
 

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