January 6, 2025
" And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and Barak, and Samson, and Jephthah, also of David and Samuel and the prophets: who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions.’’
- Hebrews 11:32-33 (KJV)
Still on the text taken from Hebrews 11:32-33, one of the lessons here is a mandate to subdue kingdoms. A Kingdom is often marked by a territory, or geographical location with a well-organized system of governance. When you move into a place, you must first understand what kind of kingdom and system(s) operate in such places. Most times, the system of governance is often guided by a clearly defined constitution. This impacts everyone residing in that location, it gives legitimacy and power for the forces in operation over the people.
"Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory." (Matthew 4:8).
A kingdom can either be physical, spiritual or both. In the temptations of Jesus, the devil showed the kingdoms of this world. We observe the deliberate use of the word ‘kingdoms’. The devil always seeks to cause people to go against the instructions of God. The very same kingdoms we have been called to subdue is what he wanted Jesus to bow down to.
Make a conscious decision to enforce the governance of heaven over every matter and every situation.
Now, notice the use of the word kingdoms in our reference scripture above again. This means there are many kingdoms. There could be multiple spiritual kingdoms in one physical location as well. Territorial forces in a land could enforce the kingdom of corruption and it could cause a nationwide culture in the people. Corruption would now seem like a norm and way of life because there is an enforcement by the spiritual government of the kingdom of that territory. There could also be territorial forces of darkness working against marriages in a land forming a system that tries to frustrate anyone within that location trying to have a successful home.
You cannot casually assume there are no controlling forces in a place. Rather, you must enforce the kingdom of God over the place you live, your place of work, over your family, marriage and the work of your hands. As believers, we have been called to subdue kingdoms not just within the spiritual realm only but also within the physical sphere. Whether it is the political kingdom, or the financial kingdom of this world, we must subdue it by engaging the force of faith.
Today, make a conscious decision to enforce the governance of heaven over every matter and every situation you might be faced with and see the mouth of raging lions stopped.
Song of Worship
Every tongue in heaven and earth
Shall declare Your glory
Every knee shall bow at
Your throne in worship
You will be exalted, oh God
And Your kingdom shall not pass away
Oh, Ancient of Days
Song Ancient of Days by Integrity's Hosanna! Music and Ron Kenoly
Prayer - Lord, I superimpose the kingdom of God over my environment, my community and over everything that concerns me. I declare that only the will of God shall stand in my life and family in Jesus name.