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Posted by David Kitz for “I Love the Psalms” @  https://davidkitz.wordpress.com/

Original post found @ https://davidkitz.blog/2022/03/04/kingdom-conquests-2/

Kingdom Conquests

04FridayMar 2022

Posted by davidkitz in Psalm 68, Psalms

Tags  hymn of triumph, Pilate, The King 

Reading: Psalm 68:24-31

Your procession, God, has come into view,
the procession of my God and King into the sanctuary.
In front are the singers, after them the musicians;
with them are the young women playing the timbrels.
Praise God in the great congregation;
praise the LORD in the assembly of Israel.
There is the little tribe of Benjamin, leading them,
there the great throng of Judah’s princes,
and there the princes of Zebulun and of Naphtali.
Summon your power, God;
show us your strength, our God, as you have done before.
Because of your temple at Jerusalem
kings will bring you gifts.
Rebuke the beast among the reeds,
the herd of bulls among the calves of the nations.
Humbled, may the beast bring bars of silver.
Scatter the nations who delight in war.
Envoys will come from Egypt;
Cush will submit herself to God (NIV).*

Cross-country ski trail — Photo by David Kitz

Reflection
All of Psalm 68 is a hymn of triumph—national triumph. In today’s reading it is apparent this psalm is a triumphant processional song penned by David. The enemies of Israel have been vanquished and God’s army has returned victorious.

For Christians today, does this psalm hold a deeper significance? Does it signify more than a celebration after a military conquest?

The King we serve—the one born in a stable—didn’t come to establish an earthly kingdom by means of guns and war. In his defense before Pilate Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place” (John 18:36).

Make no mistake; Jesus calls us to be citizens in his heavenly Kingdom. It is a Kingdom headquartered in heaven, but its address on the earth is the human heart—your heart—my heart. Furthermore, that Kingdom grows in power and influence as we yield our will to God and joyfully become more like His son, Jesus. For followers of Jesus, battles are won as we submit our will to God

There are nations—Egypt and Cush (the upper Nile region) mentioned in today’s reading. They will submit themselves to God. But for us today, submission must first come from our own stubborn heart.

Response: LORD God, I yield my will to You. Conquer my heart with Your love. Through Jesus sacrifice on the cross I am yours. Help me to joyfully live as a productive citizen of Your Kingdom on earth. Amen.

Your Turn: Have you been conquered by the love of God? Where is your primary citizenship?

* NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, COPYRIGHT ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 BY BIBLICA

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P.S. (from bruce)  When there is no other place to turn…turn to God !!  If you’re not a “born again” Christian, is the Holy Spirit urging you to open this link ??  Here is the truth about how God’s grace is received to become a Christian in God’s eyes; through understanding and obeying the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ…   https://godsmanforever.com

To my brothers and sisters in Christ, please feel free to share this message of the cross with those in need…

You say you are a “born again” believer…  “ BUT ”  is your soul “ON FIRE ” for the Lord ??  If not, open this link – https://godsmanforever.com/2020/08/01/are-you-a-christian-in-gods-eyes-and-on-fire-for-the-lord-or-not/

Picture credit:  https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1SQJL_enUS832US832&sxsrf=APq-WBs6ZThmjP_IF_qgpq1Nau5M11QbCw:1647430468705&source=univ&tbm=isch&q=image+conquered+by+God+bible&fir=gLbHmVOoVIhBDM%252CXbNu_GJCKfZ5-M%252C_%253Bs_MBtfHlZUIn4M%252CJCrhQlDPv0Mr5M%252C_%253BKqPi3po7_oStwM%252CFXgZCWC_PrBTfM%252C_%253BKxMO9tOkf5aI1M%252CJCrhQlDPv0Mr5M%252C_%253B2bh-wkZTbkSObM%252CpeM_J0-hd06jKM%252C_%253BZM71ZLPWMZkS5M%252CFrnIUy5q2z4qvM%252C_%253Bl_2Rtfud4kMelM%252CprxTlP1rD2AGIM%252C_%253BpLTMsW_KyRjP1M%252CRg_mO6rW0YPaYM%252C_%253BHWBsmG6AANMeqM%252CJCrhQlDPv0Mr5M%252C_%253BbnKjZk88dDP3GM%252Ci7fqGH63xSrbMM%252C_&usg=AI4_-kTobB01ikrayZyn_lEhIGJdeemjpw&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwji_IPfxMr2AhUmj4kEHYs-BHwQ7Al6BAgCEEw&biw=1293&bih=901&dpr=1#imgrc=k4uN0DitKqsNXM