Day 7 - Dominion Now or Later? | Our King and the Kingdom of God 21-Day Devotional
Scripture Reading: Genesis 1:26-27: Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.
The most powerful motivation in the heart of man is the pursuit of power. Why is the desire to control our environment and circumstances so overpowering to humanity? The answer is found in the very nature and heart of the human spirit. Man was created to exercise power and designed to manage it. The motivating purpose for the creation of the human species was to dominate the earth and its resources, the result of the Creator’s desires to extend His rulership from the supernatural realm to the physical realm. (Munroe)
Much of God's original intention for mankind was delayed by disobedience and the resulting sinful nature. The intended “dominion” was long ago replaced with selfish ambition and rebellion to God. In Christ, we find a restoration of purpose, but the relatively few followers of Christ, in a world of 6 billion people, cannot fully influence conditions in this world.
But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. (2 Timothy 3:13)
Jesus summarized our role as “salt” and “light.” Salt preserves and light illuminates. Our present mission is not to control or “save” the world, but to facilitate the redemption of people and reconciliation to God. We also bring godly influence on conditions within our communities and world. There is the erroneous notion that Christians are destined to “take over,” but this is a mistaken view that is resulted in tragic outcomes, such as the election cycles of 2016, 2020, and the insurrection of January 6, 2021. This belief has been called “Dominionism.”
God's original intention will be fulfilled. The present form of the Kingdom of God will culminate with the return of Jesus Christ to establish a pervasive Kingdom in which righteousness dwells;
Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. (2 Peter 3:13)
We don't have unrealistic expectations about our role in this time and season, but we can make a great, positive impact as ambassadors of the Kingdom of God.
Reflection Questions:
1. Why is full dominion not part of God's plan before Jesus returns.
2. As an ambassador for Christ and God's kingdom, what can you do now to positively impact your community and world?
My Action Items:
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