Today’s scripture: Hebrews 2:5-9 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (E’sha Cooper):
“You [God] made Him [Jesus] the head over everything You have made. 8 You have put everything under His feet. There is nothing that does not obey Him [Jesus]” (vv. 7-8 [New Living Translation]).
Did you see the children’s movie, Despicable Me, Part I? If you didn’t, I recommend you do; it is definitely a movie about love and redemption. However if you did see it, do you remember the part where Gru broke into the house of his nemesis, Vector, to steal the proton neutralizer back? Well, as Gru was trying to escape undetected with the neutralizer, Gru had to get passed an area that had a glass tank as the floor. This tank contained a gigantic great white shark. Not only was the shark there, but this was also the room where Vector was relaxing and watching television. Now in this part of the movie, the shark recognizes that there is an intruder in the house; and although he bangs and rams himself against the floor, it’s to no avail. Gru maintains his calm so that the shark’s attempts do not prompt Vector to look toward Gru. Vector does not understand why the shark is so agitated and disruptive, and he even tells the shark to calm down. Well, Gru escapes, and you know the rest; it’s a classic, yet extremely adorable adventure of good conquering evil.
The point of me painting that picture for you is this: all things are under your feet. Yes, you can see them, but they are all beneath you! Why? Because you are in Christ Jesus (Acts 17:28; 1 Corinthians 6:17). Not only are you in Christ, but you are a joint heir and fellow partaker with Christ (Romans 8:17). God has made everything subjected or under Christ’s authority (v. 7); and since they must obey Christ, then they must obey you! When something or someone is under your authority, that thing, circumstance, situation, person or experience is under your dictates. You tell it what to do, not vice versa. It means that you’re the boss and CEO of the corporation of your life. You set the break times, the pay rates, the cultural climate, the production scale, the mission statement; everything is under your command!
Why was Jesus able to calm a raging sea in the midst of a storm? Because the weather was under his authority!
Why was Jesus able to call Lazarus out of the grave? Because death was under his authority!
Why was Jesus able to heal the sick? Because health was under his authority!
Why was Jesus able to walk in victory in his relationship with God? Because his flesh was under his authority!
Now let’s put our name in every place where Jesus’ name is in the above statements:
Why can I speak peace to chaotic situations? Because every circumstance is under my authority!
Why can I speak life into dead situations? Because death is under my authority!
Why can I heal the sick? Because health is under my authority!
Why can I walk in victory in my Christian faith? Because my flesh is under my authority!
WOW! What power!
So the next time you are confronted with ideas, thoughts, or circumstances that are attempting to get your focus off your purpose, stop and remember they are under your authority! Get it off your mind, because it belongs under your feet.
Prayer for the day: Lord, may I consistently move and live in the realization that I am the thermostat, not the thermometer. I have the power and grace to be victorious in every circumstance and situation in life. May I not allow the things that belong under my feet to work their way into my head. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.