DEVOTION//Reign but not rule

Our king has ascended to his throne in heaven. Why are you afraid?  

Fear would be reasonable if Jesus’ position in heaven was similar to the position of South Africa's Zulu king. 

The Zulus are the largest ethnic minority in South Africa. They live in a separate section of South Africa. They seem to form a country within a country.

But they are not a separate country. 

Consider the position of the Zulu's king. He reigns but he does not rule. Think about that. He reigns but he does not rule.  

The king's traditional authority is only recognized in the territory inhabited by the Zulu nation. He has no political or constitutional position in South Africa. 

South Africa depends on the Zulu king to smooth the cultural divide between traditional Zulu values and the values of a modern democracy. Other than that, the Zulu king has no voice or royal vote in South Africa. 

The position our King Jesus holds is infinitely more powerful.  

Jesus is no figurehead monarch. He is answerable to no one for his actions. Since he is always in perfect harmony with his Father and the Holy Spirit, when he makes a decision that decision is carried out.  

His Father has "seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule, authority, power, and dominion, and above every name that is given, not only in this age but also in the one to come. God also placed all things under his feet and made him head over everything for the church" (Ephesians 1:20-22). 

Now think about what that means for you. The same Savior who healed and helped during his time on earth, who died and rose from death, who proclaimed good news and then brought that good news to reality now reigns and rules from heaven for the benefit of his Church on earth. For your benefit.

Life often seems out of everyone's control--including Jesus' control. The reality is there is never a time we are not securely wrapped in his love. The reality is--no matter how it seems--our resurrected and ascended Savior reigns and rules.

No wonder our Good Shepherd teaches us to confess, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me. Your rod and your staff, they comfort me" (Psalm 23:4).