Turn to Me and be saved,
all the ends of the earth!
For I am God, and there is no other.
By Myself I have sworn;
from My mouth has gone out in righteousness
a word that shall not return:
‘To Me every knee shall bow,
every tongue shall swear allegiance.’ Isaiah 45:22-23
Today in this highly politically charged time – to whom have you pledged your ‘allegiance’? Who really is your Lord? Have you put your ‘political preferences’ before Him? Are you a “________ Christian”? Fill in the blank. Is there ANYTHING that you identify with MORE than Jesus? Is your ‘Christianity’ just a ‘religion’ to you? Politically right, politically left, woke, race, job, business, corporation, denomination, sect, age, sex, generation, country… what identifier comes to your mind when thinking about your ‘preferences’?
If God isn’t your ‘first’ thought when thinking of your own identity – your priorities are out of order. How intimate is your relationship with God? How much of your daily thoughts are about Him and what He wants you to do… in every moment? When you die – what will have been the most important thing about your earthly life? Are you living that truth now… daily? If God isn’t in that first position in your life… I suggest you change your heart and thinking.
What is allegiance? The tie or obligation, implied or expressed, which a subject owes to his or her sovereign or government; the duty of fidelity to one’s king, government, or state. Who is your King? To whom or what have you sworn your fealty and duty? Is Jesus really your King? What are His thoughts about your preferences of politics, and opinions? Have you ever asked Him? Is He even able to talk to you about those ‘sensitive’ personal things and opinions you cherish and think so highly about? Is the money you spend – His or yours? Do you even ask Him how you should… vote? Why is His opinion / choice important? Have you ever thought of asking Him? Most people have never developed their spiritual intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit enough to actually be sure when He is speaking to them. They are so ‘religious’ in the relationship with Him that it would take Him to use an audible voice for them to hear Him. Is that you currently? Or are you so familiar and intimate with Him that you can identify His voice as the small whisper or thought in your mind? How important is that practice to you? Are you the most important thing or person in your own mind? Are you surrendering to everything and everyone to Him every morning? Is your number one focus and goal of your day to hear Him and do what He asks of you?
Do your emotions set your preferences or does He? Does your past education rule over the way you make decisions or does He? Does your ‘pride’ set your rigid stance or are you always ready to bend your knee, heart, and choices to Him? Most people put themselves first when decision making is required. They think of their own benefit, comfort, and security. How far does your allegiance go with God? What line are you unable to step over when it comes to bending your knee to His will and choices for you? Are you willing to die for Him? Really?
And He withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, saying, “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from Me. Nevertheless, not My will, but Yours, be done.” Luke 22:41-42
Do you follow Jesus’ example when it comes to your own allegiance to God?
Do you actually wrestle with Him about your own preferences and choices?
I suggest you take the time to ask Him this morning. Bend your knee, heart, mind, and choices / will to Him in allegiance, recognizing HE really is the King of the universe.
Father we give EVERYTHING and EVERYONE to You!