January 21

Reigning In Life

For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive an abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ! — Rom 5:17 BSB

It would take an eternity to fully explore the treasures contained in the passage from which this verse is taken. However, let’s not stand gazing into Heaven, but instead claim the privilege of reigning in life through Jesus Christ. Don’t postpone the fulfillment of this promise! While some depths of meaning may only be fully understood in the life to come, the clear message of this verse is that we can experience this reality here and now.

But how can this be? Nicodemus, a master in Israel, asked the same question. This life of victory is only possible for those who have been born from above. By nature, we were born from below, into the first Adam, who was a living soul. We must be born from above, into the second Adam, who becomes to all who trust in Him a life-giving spirit (1 Cor 15:45). The flesh cannot rise into the Spirit on its own—the Holy Spirit must lift it up. But He will do this if you turn to Christ in simple faith and surrender.

What difference will it make? Each life has been planned by God with the purpose of preparing us for high service, both here and beyond. No matter what happens, there is always an abundance of grace available to us. Yet, like Balaam, we are often blind to the angel standing by our side. We make our plans, lie awake at night worrying, seek advice from friends, but fail to draw on the grace that is meant to meet our every need. It is only when we receive this grace by childlike faith that we can reign in life. The Latin root of the word "abundance" refers to ocean waves. Stand on the shore, look at the infinite expanse, and don’t be satisfied with scooping up a mere handful!

What will result from this? A royal life! If a throne means power, then we are strengthened with might by His Spirit in our inner being. If it means victory, we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. If it means generosity, we have all sufficiency in all things and abound in every good work.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I thank You for the trials and pains that are always working for my good, making me a partaker of Your holiness. May I receive the abundance of Your grace and reign in life here and hereafter. Amen.