He Will Reign Forever

December 9, 2022

Peter Englert

The morning that I’m writing this devotional, I’m listening to the song “He Shall Reign Forevermore” by Chris Tomlin with my daughter. Before you go any further, take a moment to listen the song below:

Now take a moment to reflect on these lyrics:

In the bleak mid-winter, all creation groans

For a world in darkness, frozen like a stone

Light is breaking

In a stable for a throne

And He shall reign forevermore, forevermore

And He shall reign forevermore, forevermore

Unto us a child is born

The King of kings and Lord of lords

And He shall reign forevermore, forevermore

“Light is breaking in a stable for a throne” is the vision casted by John in Revelation 21:1-8. What does the throne of Jesus look like? He shall wipe every tear from their eye. There will be no more mourning or death. He is making all things new. The thirsty will receive water at no cost.

READ REVELATION 21:1-8

I don’t know what this past year has held for you. You might have lost a loved one. You may have lost your job. You might have felt the acute pain of depression and anxiety. You might feel exhausted from the expectations of this Christmas season. You might have an estranged relationship with a family member.

When we proclaim that “He Shall Reign Forevermore” we live with the hope as J.R.R. Tolkein said, “The sad things will become untrue.” The distant hope of Revelation 21:1-8 was not intended just for the future, but Good News for us to live now. Things will not always be the way they are. Yes, we live in a world full of darkness, grief, and brokenness, but Jesus came to a stable and reigns on a throne.

As I write this devotion, I’m thinking about many of you in our church family who have walked through pain. I pray that no matter where you are you can borrow hope from Revelation 21:1-8. May we experience the Good News of the Gospel.

PRAYER

Lord, today I proclaim that You reign and will reign forevermore. Help me to live the vision of Revelation 21:1-8 today.

PRACTICE

Pick one of the promises from Revelation 21:1-8. Write it down and reflect on how it gives you hope today. Text it to a friend.

Photo by Paul Zoetemeijer on Unsplash

About The Author

Peter Englert

Peter Englert is Adult Ministries Director at Browncroft Community Church. He graduated from the University of Valley Forge with a B.A. in Pastoral Ministry and a M.A. in Theology. He also blogs at peterenglert.com.

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