The Reign of God: Withstanding all things
“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39 )
[This scripture passage is actually cited as a support for the commentary section of the article on the “Reign of God.” The Mennonite Confession of Faith has commentary sections that expand on some of the ideas found in the articles of faith, and also adds complementary information/theology not explicitly addressed in the article.]
Nations, kingdoms, empires rise and fall. We elect, and sometimes re-elect, presidents every four years. Governments do not last forever – it just seems like it sometimes. But God’s reign endures.
What does that have to do with this scripture passage you say? Well, it connects because God’s reign is the same as the “love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” And as the “Reign of God” article’s commentary section says, “we who are in Christ are assured that not even death can separate us from the love of God.” This speaks not only to the power of Christ’s/God’s love, but the durability of God’s reign. While politics may “make strange bedfellows” there is no love lost amongst many politicians. Camaraderie and compassion can turn into partisanship and division very quickly. So how can a “reign” that is based on love and compassion endure?
Well, if the love is perfect, as God’s love is perfect, it can withstand all things – death, life, angels, demons, the present, the future, any other powers, heights, depths, and everything else in creation.
There is no “may you . . . “ because under God’s reign all things will be. So, gentle reader, dwell under God’s reign, because . . . .there is no where else to be. Shalom!
