KING OF THE NATIONS

KING OF THE NATIONS
Friday, January 5, 2018 by Ron Susek

As headlines grow more ominous in 2018, prepare your heart by reading today's edition of FaithWalk: Courage for the Journey.

King of the Nations
by Ron Susek
@Golden Quill Publications

Who would not fear you, O King of the nations?
(Jeremiah 10:7)

The new year was still awakening and stretching its arms when the nations saw storm clouds of trouble amassing on the horizon.

-Thousands of marching protesters are boiling mad at the Iranian government.
        -Pakistan bristled when called upon to stop hiding terrorists.
        -Kim Jong Un warns that his finger is on the nuclear button - now!
        -Russia is prowling around the Middle East, foraging like a hungry bear.
        -China steadily maneuvers to become the supreme, dominant global power.

Every day, newscasters present a longer list of trouble. Luke wrote, "And there will be . . . on the earth distress of nations in perplexity . . . " (Luke 21:25-26; my emphasis).

As the world is spun out of control by Satan, (the defeated "ruler of the nations"), God's people stand firm in Jesus' words, "I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming. He has no claim on me . . ." (John 14:30).

Satan did all in his power to disqualify Jesus from becoming our Redeemer. But he failed. Thus, Jesus could say, "He has no claim on me." Jesus was able to make this claim because, "Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation al all who obey him . . ." (Hebrews 5:8-9).

The upheavals of our time do not define the future. Two thousand years ago, the decisive contest was fought between the "ruler of the nations" and the "King of the nations." And the "ruler" who gained authority to possess mankind when Adam sinned was disarmed when Jesus obeyed His Father and went to the cross. Colossians 2:15 says, "He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him."

Had Jesus surrendered to one temptation, He could not have said that the ruler has no claim on Him. He would have been bound under Satan's authority, and the world would be lost forever. Instead, He obeyed . . . down to the smallest detail.

Thus, while John speaks in Revelation 20:8 of Satan deceiving the nations, Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 15:24 of Jesus delivering the nations to His Father.

When Satan is soon bound, the world will see the deceptions that stirred wars. And as the lion lies down beside the lamb, the prophet's words will manifest, "Who would not fear you, O King of the nations? For this is your due; for among all the wise ones of the nations and in all their kingdoms there is none like you" (Jeremiah 10:7).

  Worry not at the trembling of the nations. The King of the Nations has vanquished the lord of the flies (Beelzebul: Matthews 12:24), and soon, ". . . at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:10-11).

Always remember, Immanuel: God is with you!
Your friend,
Ron