Three Signs You Are Reigning in Christ (Pt 2)

Daily Devotion | Day 302

“For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17, NKJV).

Yesterday, we talked about how a life of righteousness is a sign that we’re reigning in Christ. Today, we will continue with our series on “Three Signs You Are Reigning in Christ” by looking at another sign: peace.  Let’s note that the three things mentioned by Paul are not the only signs of life in the kingdom. However, they are core elements without which it is impossible to claim the presence of the kingdom in one’s life. Before we talk about peace, let’s make a brief comment on the nature of God’s kingdom.

The point of us being in God’s kingdom is to reign in Christ, i.e. to reign over everything associated with the powers of darkness, notably sin, satan, demonic oppression and a life of fear. At this point, let’s recall what Paul said about our place of dominion in Christ: “He [God] has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love” (Colossians 1:13).

Some think that we will start to reign only when Jesus appears a second time. Yes, there’s a future component of reigning with the Lord (1 Thessalonians 4:15-17). However, the reality is, there’s a present tense component as well. The power to reign is already at work in us now. Jesus Himself pointed to this present tense experience of the kingdom when He said, “the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21). The kingdom within us is what makes it possible for us to experience and manifest the essential signs of the kingdom, thereby attesting that indeed we are sons and daughters of the King of Kings. Therefore, the normal experience of every child of God is to exude peace.

Isaiah prophesied that the Messiah would be called, “Prince of Peace” (9:6). The peace of Jesus is the very peace of God. By his death, Jesus reconciled us to the Father and obtained peace for us. Consequently, Jesus “Himself is our peace” (Ephesians 2:14; see also Romans 5:1-2). As children of God, this peace is imparted to us freely. Jesus said, “My peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you” (John 14:27). This peace is of divine origin and it inhabits the Christian soul. When you receive this peace it keeps you still, tranquil, unafraid and unagitated. Your spirit is at rest in the bosom of the Father. You can go through adversity and still be at rest. This is how you reign in Christ.

 The peace of God is the power to rest in God. And, when you’re resting in God it means you’re reigning in Christ. You are sharing in the peace of the Prince of Peace. As a natural result, you then can produce peace as a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22).

This is the Father’s plan for you. Embrace it and enjoy a life of divine peace. Amen.

For further study: Philippians 4:1-9 and Colossians 3:12-17