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Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Sunday, 12 December 21:
Micah 4:9 — Now why do you cry aloud? Is there no king in you?
In today’s readings from Micah, the Lord challenges His people who are being punished and exiled: “Why do you now cry aloud— have you no king? Has your counselor perished, that pain seizes you like that of a woman in labor?” (Micah 4:9) In the midst of their sinfulness and suffering, had they lost sight of the Sovereignty of the Almighty? As the Magi who were subjected to the reign of king Herod understood, the King of kings and Lord of lords is Jesus (1 Timothy 6:15; Revelation 17:14; Revelation 19:16). “He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord (Micah 5:4).” Until Christ’s return, His ambassadors, His kingdom of priests, will be “in the midst of many peoples like dew from the Lord, like showers on the grass, which do not wait for man or linger for mankind (Micah 5:7).” Nothing can stop God’s faithful servants from sharing the Living Water, Jesus. God’s Kingdom People “will be among the nations, in the midst of many peoples, like a lion among the beasts of the forest, like a young lion among flocks of sheep, which mauls and mangles as it goes, and no one can rescue (Micah 5:8).” God’s people are among the nations, engaged in a spiritual insurgency against the powers of evil, “destroy[ing] strongholds…. destroy[ing] arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and tak[ing] every thought captive to obey Christ.” (1 Corinthians 10:4, 5)
This is not a passive, weak, compromised church which has lost its saltiness and hides its light under a bowl – this is a bold church which powerfully proclaims the Gospel throughout the entire world, making disciples, baptizing them, and teaching them to obey ALL that the King commands. (Matthew 28:19) This is not a church which surrenders to the enemy the institutions of influence such as media, schools, arts, government, and entertainment. Rather, this is a church which predominately influences these establishments to “tear down all… strongholds (Micah 5:11)” for God’s glory, a church united across the globe under the motto, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.”
God’s people are a Kingdom among kingdoms, and they serve the King of kings and Lord of lords. They “do not put [their] trust in princes, in mortal men, who cannot save (Psalm 146:3).” God’s people “seek first the Kingdom and His righteousness.” (Matthew 6:33)
Kingdom People: “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it (Genesis 1:28).” Your King is KING – “The Lord reigns forever, your God, O Zion, for all generations Praise the Lord (Psalm 146:10).” It is time for the Church to come out from the caves and face the enemy — “Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, ‘Come, let’s go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised men. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the Lord from saving, whether by many or by few (1 Samuel 14:6).’” Be bold in the Lord –
- Acts 4:13 — Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.
- Acts 4:29 — And now, Lord, look upon their threats and grant to your servants to continue to speak your word with all boldness,
- Acts 4:31 — And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness.
- Acts 9:28 — So he went in and out among them at Jerusalem, preaching boldly in the name of the Lord.
- 2 Corinthians 3:12 — Since we have such a hope, we are very bold….
- Ephesians 6:17-20 – … and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 12 December 21: Today, meditate upon what is means to be an ambassador of the King of kings and Lord of lords and recommit to walking “in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.” (Ephesians 4:1) Boldly proclaim the Gospel under the power and authority of Jesus Christ.
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 