May 9

God's Triumph

Then the seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and loud voices called out in heaven: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever.” — Rev 11:15 BSB

In the midst of this world filled with clashing voices, the Church has always cried out, “Thine is the Kingdom!” Christ is the rightful ruler of the world, yet, just as Absalom rebelled against David, so has Satan set himself up as the prince of this world in defiance of Christ. Earth is the battleground of a great rebellion under Satan’s leadership, but despite this, Christ is still the rightful King. His Kingdom is spreading from heart to heart, and soon the prince of this world will be cast out. One day, every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Christ is Lord. All will proclaim, “Thine is the Kingdom, the power, and the glory!” But we have the privilege of saying it now—now, when the rebellion still rages, now, when Satan’s power seems so strong.

It’s not enough to say it in general terms; we must also say it in our personal lives. We must declare to Christ what the Israelites said to Gideon: “Rule over us, for You have delivered us.”

“Thine is the power.” The millionaire may claim that their power lies in wealth; the orator in their ability to move crowds; the writer in their words; the scientist in their discoveries. But time will take all of these powers away—wealth fades, voices fall silent, and minds grow weak. We have no lasting power in ourselves. Visions of goodness and a desire to do right may come to us, but how to carry them out—that is the struggle. So we pray: “Give me power to serve, power over myself, power to live a righteous, sober, and godly life in this present world.” And in response, we hear the words of our risen Lord: “All power is given to Me in heaven and on earth.” And as we hear this, we answer, “Thine is the power”—so that it may become ours.

“Thine is the glory.” Let us live in the spirit of this prayer. When others praise us for our achievements or character, let us always remember to look up to God and say, “Thine is the glory.” Let us live in such a way that others are drawn to the light of Christ shining through us. When people see the beauty in our lives, let them say, “How glorious must the Christ be who has made these people so radiant,” and be inspired to follow Him.

Prayer

Help us, O God, to enthrone Christ in our hearts. As we glorify Him, may we receive His Spirit, and may rivers of living water flow from us. Amen.