Short devotion: Majesty - Psalm 93v1

 

Psalm 93:1 The Lord reigns, he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed in majesty and armed with strength; indeed, the world is established, firm and secure. (NIV)

In a couple of weeks, the world will be focused on the coronation of Charles III. Television cameras from all over the world will broadcast this unique event live and no doubt many people will be amazed to see the coronation regalia, carriages, and parade that will take place in the United Kingdom. I will watch some of it – mainly to see the golden coronation coach which is only used for these special events. When I was a child in school, I won a special prize from my second-grade schoolteacher which was a beautiful drawing of the coach. Ever since then, I’ve wanted to see it being driven on the streets of London.

 For some folks, all the pomp and circumstance, as well as the massive expense, will be a major turn-off. Why we continue to support a medieval custom in the 21^st century or view a royal procession doesn’t have any relevance for them, especially for some folks over here in the United States which fought a long war to be independent of the British monarchy. I can sympathize with that, but it won’t stop me watching some of this unique historical event.

 However, rather than being captivated by it, the whole process will remind me of God’s splendor and majesty which a million coronations could never match. I serve a greater king than any sovereign which a royal family on Earth could produce; I am a subject, first and foremost, of God’s Kingdom through Christ, which is more powerful, sacred, and everlasting than any monarchy or republic could ever establish. The King who has my loyalty is robed with the righteousness of God’s grace and coronated with a crown of thorns, worth so much more to me than any made of gold.

 Point to ponder: If I believe Christ is my King, how do I seek to serve Him with my life?

 Prayer: Lord God, You are the King of Glory and the Creator of the Cosmos. May we serve You faithfully with our lives as subjects of Your Kingdom. In Christ’s Name, we pray. Amen.

 John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. You can view what’s happening at the church on its website here: Erin Presbyterian Church

 

 

The Trouble with Free Will - 1 Corinthians 10:23

1 Corinthians 10:23 “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. (NIV)

            The trouble with both free will and liberty is that we begin to believe there are no boundaries or limits to what we can think, say, or do. We insist on having our own way and protest if anyone infringes on our rights. We govern ourselves and will not let anyone impose restrictions on what we desire to do and woe betide anyone who says otherwise. However, the unintended result is that we end up with a fragmented society where individualism is idolized and social justice is marginalized. We look after number one and everyone else can look after themselves.

            That may be the way our society is going, but if apply the moniker ‘Christian’ to our lives, then we live under the sovereignty of God, so our selfish behavior places us under His judgment. This is why Paul emphasized the need to reflect on our conduct. No matter what we do or what rights we think we have, as Christians our deeds should always be accompanied by two questions: Is this beneficial? Is this constructive?

            Far too often, we see the religious zeal of Christianity which insists on getting its own way and doing its own thing, no matter how unbeneficial or unhelpful it may be. The rest of society looks on us with disdain and wonder why we’ve disconnected ourselves to the Founder of our faith, especially when we omit to show compassion, love, or grace. We can insist on being right instead of being kind, but all we will do is circle our wagons, build a wall, and enclose ourselves in a pit of our own making which will eventually destroy our effectiveness as disciples of Christ and missionaries of His Word.

            So, the challenge that we have before us is this: whatever I seek to say or do today, I need to ask two things as a Christian, living under the sovereignty of God and not my own personal morality: Is this beneficial? Is this constructive?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, remind us that we serve You and not ourselves. Keep us from allowing pride or contempt to overrule our compassion and love. Retell us the story of how Your grace has been applied to our lives and help us to share it selflessly with others. In Your Holy Name, we humbly pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to give some feedback on today’s message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s holiday drawings called “Liberty Roses.” If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Roses.