Live and Reign

“For if by the one man’s offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.” Rom. 5:17.

This verse speaks about those who reign in life by grace. When there is contradiction, opposition, tribulation or pressure of any kind, grace will be stronger so that we can always reign in life. Jesus reigned in godly fear. Where are the men and women today who seek grace in their time of need—so that in grace and godliness they can reign over their difficulties? This is where the reality of victory, wrought by godly fear, bursts from beneath the surface, to be seen and experienced by everyone. The humility and meekness that are in their hearts become manifest, but the sufferings in the flesh remain hidden. When we see such godly fear, it is infectious. It provokes us to pursue it, because in it there is power.

Johan O. Smith