The Great Eight - Pt 34

What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (Romans 8:31-37 ESV).

The third thing Jesus has accomplished for us is that we can now know him as the one who is at the right hand of God. That little phrase, "the right hand of God," was full of power for the first-century Christians of the Apostle Paul’s day. They were well acquainted with the Old Testament. They knew full well the meaning of David’s psalm: The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.” The Lord sends forth from Zion your mighty scepter. Rule in the midst of your enemies! Your people will offer themselves freely on the day of your power, in holy garments; from the womb of the morning, the dew of your youth will be yours. The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” (Psalm 110:1-4 ESV). The meaning of triumph, rule, and authority are unmistakable. Being at God’s right hand was to rule over all authority and power and dominion and angels and names. A. W. Tozer’s quote above is so impactful for our complicated and challenging lives. We need fear no one and nothing. Even the Devil cannot overcome the One to whom we are forever joined. The apostle is going to try to be specific about the things that might frighten us; however, even he, runs out of the great expanse of this topic and says “and nothing else created” can separate us from His love for us. This is where our security comes from. We have this unassailable truth given to us by God. And, the proof of its truth is in His actions toward us. He sent His only begotten Son to take our place and pay our debt. Jesus did what only He could do, which was what none of us could ever do. Do you see how this sets us on a path that is negotiated with power and purpose. Even when it seems as if we have been abandoned, we can know that we haven’t. He walks with us because He has already won our freedom. Know your Savior, your Lord, your Friend, your Treasure this way – triumphant and ruling now over all the universe until all his enemies are put under his feet. Know him and enjoy this unshakable security. It is yours by God’s decree!