But of the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever, the scepter of uprightness is the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of gladness beyond your companions.” Heb. 1:8-9
Dear Lord Jesus, there’s really nothing more important than how I think about you. My notions of you—right ones and broken ones, impact every aspect of my life. So the clearly more I see you in the Scriptures, the more I understand why you alone are worthy of our adoration, affection, and allegiance. I’m sure I’ll be saying the same thing ten thousand years from now—when the eye of faith gives way to seeing you as you really are. (1 Jn. 3:1-3)
Today I’m marveling at what this passage in Hebrews says about your joyful kingship—the unabated delight you have in being the Lord of lords and King of kings; the holy joy you have in crushing evil and the unbridled felicity you feel as you make all things new. Indeed, your kingdom is a kingdom of “righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 14:7).
The Father has placed the government of the entire cosmos on your shoulders, and your reign of grace is expanding all the time (Isa. 9:6-7). Things are not as they appear to the naked eye. One Day your enemies will be your footstool (Lk 20:43)—trees will clap their hands and mountains will dance at your coming. God has left nothing to chance, but all things to you. You are the joyful King of the ages.
I’m also greatly humbled today, as I remember your request for the Father to fill your church—to fill us, to fill me, with the fullness of your joy (John 17:13). This is quite stunning, actually—brimming over with transforming implications. Oh, may it be, Lord Jesus. Fill our hearts with your passion, delight and joy!
And may an increase in your joy propel us into greater servanthood and mission. May it be the fire we need for doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with our God (Micah 6:8). May the oil of your gladness encourage and refresh us for loving well, especially when serving you gets messy and hard.
Even as Satan was crushed under your feet on the cross, so we look forward to the Day when he will be crushed under our feet, as well (Rom. 16:20). Until then, keep us humble, patient, present and increasingly joyful. All labors in you are never in vain. So very Amen we pray, in your tender and triumphant name.
