Numbers 2:1-3:10; Mark 11:27-33; Psalms 47:8-9; Proverbs 14:26-27
Psalms: “God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne. The nobles of the peoples have assembled with the people of the God of Abraham. For the leaders of the earth belong to God; he is greatly exalted.” (Psalms 47:8-9 CSB)
While it is true that the earth is currently influenced and manipulated by the kingdom of darkness, it is also true that the sovereign and rightful King of the nations is God. He has not been unseated from His throne. All of the rulers of the earth must ultimately come under the hand of God, for as Paul states in Romans 13:1, “there is no authority except from God.” The word translated here as leaders is actually the word for shield or protector. Those who have been given authority to protect all belong to God. He is the ultimate King, ruler, and protector of all. Nothing takes Him by surprise. Nothing can usurp His throne. We can submit to His authority, or we can reject His authority, but we can never escape it.
Proverbs: “In the fear of the Lord one has strong confidence and his children have a refuge. The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, turning people away from the snares of death.” (Proverbs 14:26-27 CSB)
Knowing Who God is, we can see why it is wise to fear (respect, honor, submit to) the Lord. When we lay down our self-confidence and instead fear the Lord, we receive unshakable confidence in Him. When we abide by the word, will, and ways of the Lord, those who are under our care and authority come under the care and protection of the Lord, the Great King of Kings. When we place our trust in and faith on the Lord, into us and out of us will flow unstoppable rivers of life, which not only bring life to ourselves; but life, wholeness, and health to those around us. This is the privilege and honor of all who fear the Lord and live under the rule of God the King.
Jamie Hicks 