Kings and Priests – Crowned with Power and Authority
You shall also be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. Isaiah 62:3 (NKJV)
The sacred anointing portion of the coronation ceremony is followed by the Investiture, during which the monarch is dressed in garments and presented with objects that symbolise the monarch's power and authority. The monarch is first dressed in a magnificent gold silk robe. This is followed by the presentation of pieces of royal regalia, amongst others – a Sword of Offering, gold bracelets representing sincerity and wisdom, the Sovereign Orb, adorned with a cross representing religious and moral authority, the Sceptre with Cross representing earthly authority, and the Sceptre with Dove representing Holy Spirit. The ceremony culminates in the crowning with the beautifully bejewelled St. Edward's crown.
The British monarchs are endowed with regalia that symbolise power and authority. When this authority and power are not rooted in Jesus Christ, they are powerless.
Authority of the Word & Power of Holy Spirit
We, as kings and priests in God’s kingdom, have received everything we need to walk in His power and authority and live victorious lives. We have been given the living and powerful Word of God. Hebrews 4:12 (NLT) says,
For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires.
Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, calls the Word of God the sword of the Spirit. The sword of the Spirit is part of the armour we are to wear in our spiritual battle so that we can stand firm against the strategies of the evil one (Ephesians 6:10-17). As Kings and priests, we have the authority to exercise this power we have received through the Word by declaring and proclaiming it over our lives. We can do this by speaking it out, through prayer or through praise and worship. When we do this, we declare that the Word is true and will accomplish the purpose for which it was declared. (Isaiah 55:11).
We have also been clothed with power from on high through Holy Spirit (Luke 24:49). When we walk as one clothed with this power, we will be transformed so that we bear good fruit (Galatians 5:22). We will be guided into wisdom and truth (John 16:13). We will be empowered to boldly proclaim the gospel (Acts 4:31) and operate in the gifts of the Spirit.
God calls us as kings and priests in His kingdom to stand on His Word and move in the power of Holy Spirit. When we do, we will be a crown of beauty, a royal diadem in the hand of the Lord. Isaiah 62:3 (ESV). We will be His crowning glory.
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. John 16:13a
Reflection:
God has given you power and authority in His Word and through Holy Spirit. Think about how you can exercise this power and authority.
Prayer:
Thank You, Lord, for the authority and power You have given me. Show me how I can exercise the authority of Your Word and walk in the power of Holy Spirit so that I can glorify Your name. In Jesus’ name, amen.
