Tuesday April 2, 2024
1 Corinthians 15:25
He must reign . . .
The text occurs in that memorable chapter concerning the resurrection and it especially points to death. ‘For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet. The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.’ Now, beloved believer, you are called to fight daily with sin, and here is your consolation—Jesus must reign. The Christ in you must bruise Satan under your feet. His atonement has for ever destroyed the damning power of your sins. Christ reigns supreme on the milk-white throne of mercy as the pardoning God. Even so Jesus must reign over the active power of sin within your heart, for his death is the double death of sin; he has pierced its heart and nailed its hands and feet; ‘sin shall not have dominion over you’. Jesus, the King of kings, must hold his court in the castle-yard of your heart, and all your powers and passions must do him cheerful homage. Most sweet prince, thou shalt wear thy royal robes in the coronation chamber of my affections; thou shalt reign over my quick imperious temper. He shall put his foot on the neck of my pride and shall command my every thought and wish. Where I cannot rule, Jesus can. Rebellious lusts own the spell of the cross, and indwelling sin falls like Dagon before that ark. Jesus has made us kings and priests that we may reign over the triple monarchy of our nature—spirit, soul and body—and that by our self-conquest he may be undisputed sovereign of the isle of man. You who are contending with your corruptions, push on the war, for he must reign. Corruption is very strong, but Christ is stronger, and grace must ‘reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.’ I think I hear you groaning, ‘O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death?’ Listen to the answer; it rings like a sweet Sabbath bell—‘I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord.’
FOR THE LOVE OF GOD 
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