The Lord Reigns
Psalm 99 begins, “The Lord reigns.”
Five times in nine verses this psalm calls for the Lord to be exalted, praised or worshipped after one of God’s attributes is declared: Holy, great, awesome, righteous, just, equitable, faithful, avenging, answering, forgiving, reigning. Here, God’s Kingship, Lordship and reign over all creation and humanity is boldly proclaimed. As I studied this psalm, I remembered a startling portion of text I recently read in a book titled, “Battle of The American Mind.” Frankly, it hasn’t left my mind since I read it.
“Up until about 1770, pretty much every European nation agreed on one point: Jesus Christ is the reigning King over this world. Read any governmental document from before 1700 and you’ll probably see subjection to the “Reign of Christ” plainly stated in the text.
“In the Year of our Lord” preceded nearly every date, regardless of the context -secular or religious. Nearly every European flag that dates from before 1700 has a Christian symbol on it to indicate the subjection of that state to the Kingdom of Christ (not simply “God”). Until very recently, we referred to dates after Christ’s birth as Anno Domini (AD) – the year of our Lord. For well over one thousand years, Christianity was viewed as an actual kingdom within and above the kingdoms of this world.”
Fascinating to contemplate how far we’ve drifted in 250 years, isn’t it? Actually, fascinating isn’t the right word. Disturbing seems more appropriate to me. And it seems more intentional than a drift. While the reasons for this seismic shift are worthy of study, a question I’m continuing to ask myself is, “What about my life? My actions? My priorities? How can I live in a way that honors The Lord’s reign over my life? Do others notice that I am set apart? Or do I simply live like “the world” drifting farther from Jesus and erasing His Lordship from view in my life?
Psalm 99 is an enthronement psalm. It should lead us to God centered worship. Our mission at LIFE Fellowship is to “pursue at all costs a passionate God-centered life.” What that means for us today may look different than it did prior to 1770 when Christianity was known as an actual kingdom both within the world and above it as well. Perhaps living by faith is becoming more difficult when so many in our world don’t even recognize the reign of our Lord. And yet, regardless of the world’s attempt to erase God’s Kingship and Lordship from our hearts and minds, Psalm 99 reminds us that He does indeed reign over everything and everyone.
While we now live by faith, one day we will live by sight. All eyes will be fully opened to the reality of our Lord’s reign over all through the new creation (Isaiah 35:5). This is the fulfillment of Psalm 99.
Until then, I pray that I will not only worship our King with words of praise, but that my worship will be centered in the person and work of Jesus Christ as seen in the way I live my life. In my actions. In my priorities. In the use of my time, talents and treasures. What does it mean to live a God centered life? It means the Glory of God radiates from us. In this time in history when so many seem to have forgotten or rejected God’s sovereign reign, will you join me in intentionally committing to living as one set apart? As a person who people notice His Glory radiating from?
In this way, we unashamedly resist the tide of this world and proclaim the reign of Our holy and righteous Lord, Jesus Christ.
~ Nicole Bryan has been a member of LIFE Fellowship for over 10 years and holds a M.A. in Biblical Studies from Dallas Theological Seminary. She and her husband Callan have three children.