You faced a host of temptations to sin this past week, and it is certain that you did give way to one degree or another to those temptations. If that weren’t enough, you live in a world that’s unraveling and is full of wars, blasphemies, and hard consequences. To top things off, the Devil prowls around looking to bring about your destruction. Not the most cheery thoughts. This may convince you to adopt a survivalist mentality. Bunker down, just try to make it through life, and then go see Jesus in heaven.
But this isn’t the salvation which Jesus won for you. He ascended into heaven. And this means a few things. All things are now placed under His nail-scarred feet, and by the covenant union you have with Him, you are made (both individually and corporately) embassies of His global dominion. Sin shall not have the victory over you, because Christ is seated on high. The world shall not overcome you, for Christ is seated on high. The devil shall not devour you, for Christ is seated on high.
So then, cast off any disposition of fearful survivalism. By faith, acknowledge the great salvation which Christ’s death, resurrection and ascension brought about for you. You are not at the mercy of your fleshly desires, for the Spirit of Christ gives you new desires. You must deal with your sin in the light of the reality that Christ is subduing all His enemies; that includes every last nagging temptation that rears its vile head in the dark corners of your heart. That envy must go, because Christ ascended. That lust can’t stay, because Christ is King. That fearfulness must pack its bags, because Jesus has been given the Name above all names. Christ is King. Our task is to live accordingly.
Ben Zornes – May 12, 2024
