Destined for the Throne?

We are currently in that wonderful time that happens every 4 years, the Summer Olympics, when we get to enjoy fantastic athletics for 2 weeks straight! And every Olympics produces a new set of Olympic royalty, athletes who are thrust into the spotlight and admired around the world. This summer, American Olympic royalty includes familiar names such as Michael Phelps, Kerri Walsh Jennings and Misty May-Treanor, and new names like Gabby Douglas, Missy Franklin, and Allyson Felix.

In fact, the gold medal women's gymnastics team is already slated for a 40-city tour around the United States this fall. Their coach is quoted as saying, “They have no idea what awaits them back in the United States. They are literally American idols as they have reached that level of popularity overnight.” Right now these athletes are certainly household words, and some of them will make millions of dollars off endorsements in the next few years. But no matter how famous they currently are, their reign will be short-lived.

Consider for example, Darra Torres, Matt Biondi, Carl Osburn, Gary Hall Jr., and Jenny Thompson. Remember them? They are 5 of the most medal winning American Olympians of all time. Each one had their moment in the spotlight as Olympic royalty, and their brief reign of fame. Now most of us don't even recognize their names.

There is another type of royalty at the Summer Olympics however, one that has endured for 1140 years. It is the British monarchy, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles. Unlike Olympic royalty that is based on incredible athletic performance, British royalty is born to the throne. William and Harry were princes the moment they were born, because their father was royalty.

Are you aware that you were created to be royalty? Several places in Scripture we are told that when we say, “Yes,” to God's loving gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, we become, “a royal priesthood,” and “priests and kings unto our God.” And our position is higher than any earthly royalty could ever be.  We are destined for a heavenly throne. Ephesians 2:5b-6 states: “It is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus.”

Our royal standing in Christ Jesus gives us dominion and authority in the earth. This is our birthright in Christ Jesus, and not the result of any performance on our part. We are responsible to use our God-given authority to usher in God's kingdom here on earth. This destiny sets us apart from Olympic royalty and all earthly monarchies. The apostle Paul put it this way in 1 Corinthians 9:25: “Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever.”

Are you destined for the throne? God invites you to be a royal son or daughter in His divine forever family. He has reserved a place in the heavenlies for you. Say “Yes” to His gift of salvation and become a Royal today!

Come join us this Sunday at 9:00 AM or 11:00 AM. We are beginning a new series, “Your Identity in Christ,” and our topic this week will be, “Created to Be Kings.” Come and discover your rights and responsibilities as a divine Royal.