In a recent sermon we were discussing the magnitude of God’s kingdom which is “all” encompassing. Psalm 24 tells us that the earth and the whole universe belong to the Lord. Not only in substance, but also everything that dwells in the universe, “all the fullness,” is God’s. There are numerous texts in Scripture that affirm this same truth such as Colossians 1 which states not only that God created us and that we belong to Him, but that in Him we consist. In other words we are physically held together in bodily form because of our great God’s design. Therefore, our understanding of life MUST take into account that “I” belong to God!
Herein is our greatest problem because we mostly believe that “I” belong to me and I can do with myself whatever I want to do with myself whenever I want to do it because I only answer to me. Now I know that most of us would never articulate such a statement regarding how we live, but in reality, sadly, this is exactly how we make daily decisions, and how we live. God mercifully cautions us repeatedly against the sin of pride in how we govern ourselves without regard for Him, but His compassionate pleas far too often go unheeded.
I’m reminded of the narrative found in Daniel concerning the son of the infamous Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar. His son’s name was Belshazzar and he had thrown an elaborate party with some friends one night when all of the sudden, out of thin air, a hand just appeared and began to write on a wall. The phrase written in Hebrew read, “Mene, Mene. Tekel, Upharsin” which translated means “you have been weighed on the scales and have been found lacking!” Belshazzar had lived his whole life unto himself with little or no thought for the God who created him and the fact that this whole earth is God’s kingdom not his and not ours! Sadly, the message was that Belshazzar’s whole short life did not measure up when weighed by God on God’s scales, and that very night his life was taken from him.
I pray that this thought captures your heart today. When Daniel interpreted the handwriting for Belshazzar he made this comment, “you have lifted YOURSELF up against the Lord of heaven. You have praised the gods which do not see or hear or know; and The God who holds your breath in His hand and owns all your ways, you have not glorified.” My friend, don’t let this happen to you! Understand today, that all of this world, including you, belongs to the Lord. He expects that by faith you repent of pride and sin in your life trusting Him as your Savior and Lord. He is gracious, merciful, compassionate and will forgive you. Today, will you acknowledge Him as sovereign in your life and give yourself and the rest of your days to Him? If not, what part of “all” the earth don’t you understand?
