Mon., 8/20/12 Devotion (Jer. 49:38a)

Today's encouragement comes from Jeremiah 49:38a, where we read these words:

"I [the Lord] will set My throne in Elam . . . "

What a strange place for God to "set [His] throne"--Elam, an ancient pagan power east of Babylon. This is a good reminder of the fact that nothing is outside of the Lord's sovereignty: He is king everywhere--in heaven, and on earth. No devil, no sinners, no evil can overthrow Him; and God remains on His throne at all times, in every situation.

Having said that, it is true that there is a "positive" reign of Christ (in His church), and a "negative" reign of Christ (in His judgment of wick-edness). The same Sovereign is in control--it is just that in one case God grants forgiveness and imputed righteousness (from Christ); and in the other case He exercises His prerogative as a Just Judge (in con-demnation).

[Puritan quote of the day: "Praise God for every smile, and rejoice in the least." --William Bridge, in, "A Lifting Up for the Downcast"]