Overthrown in a Really Great Way

When Jesus came, the Jewish people in large part were expecting a much different type of Messiah or Savior. They were expecting a conquering king who would overthrow the Roman rule, and the people were sorely disappointed when Jesus came instead as a baby boy born into a poor carpenters family. 

They were upset that Jesus didn't come to overthrow any governments or rulers, but the truth is, that is exactly why He came. 

Ephesians 1:11 says, "In Him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will."

I like how the Message Bible paraphrases this passage, "It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living."

When we walk into relationship with Jesus, we call Him Lord. Lord means, ruler, authority, leader of our life. Jesus came to overthrow governments and rulers, just the one's inside our minds and hearts. 

If you and I allow our own personal desires to determine fully our decisions for life, we have an authority and ruler in our life, and it isn't Him. 

If you and I allow our view of ourselves to be narrated and created by the approval or disapproval of mere men, we are submitting to an authority in our life, and it isn't Him.

Jesus came to overthrow every authority, government or ruler, outside Himself, in the life of every believer. His desire is to be Lord in our lives and that we would know and follow Him. His heart is that nothing outside of what He, His Word, and His promises say, would ever rule us.

Allow me to ask you, what's ruling your life? Who have you made your authority? If it isn't Jesus, today is a really good day to welcome Him to come in and overthrow some authorities in your life. You will be so glad He did!