He will subdue the peoples under us, and the nations under our feet. He will choose our inheritance for us, the excellence of Jacob whom He loves. (Psalm 47:3-4)
In Genesis 25, there is a prophecy regarding Jacob and Esau in which it is disclosed that the two nations would always be at odds with one another. If one would ascend in power, the other would decline meaning that they would not co-rule; they could not because they were entirely different in nature. This would continue until the end of days, when Jacob — the patriarch of Israel who suffered greatly during his life — would rule over Esau and the other nations that had once sought his demise. It is our understanding that this prophecy would ultimately be fulfilled in the Messianic era when He, as King, would exalt Israel above all nations.
This is the essential message in these verses — though God’s people have been despised and downtrodden through the years, there is coming a day when, under the Kingship of the Messiah, the people of God will rule and reign with Him over all the nations. Messiah underscored this notion saying, “He who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations— ‘He shall rule them with a rod of iron’… as I also have received from My Father” (Revelation 2:26-27). In other words, those who choose to share in His suffering now will be glorified with Him and empowered to rule with Him.
This is an astounding promise but one that is destined for those who meet the criteria: we must overcome the Adversary and this world and remain faithful to keep His works. As He said, “He who endures to the end will be saved” (Matthew 10:22). This brings me to consider that my greatest adversary is not Satan but the man I see in the mirror each morning. If I can overcome my will, that is the enemy within, I am better positioned to overcome the enemy without — the world. How can we expect to rule others in the Kingdom if we are unable and unwilling to govern ourselves? We can’t and, therefore, it behooves us all to recommit ourselves to crucifying our flesh daily. We mustn’t allow the Esau within us to rise up and control our lives. Rather, let the new creation we are in Messiah rise up and, empowered by His Spirit, take dominion over our carnal inclinations and be the people He has called us to be.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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