Proverbs 20:28

Reading this morning Proverbs 20:28 stood out to me in the light of authority.

"Mercy and truth preserve the king: and his throne is upholden by mercy", in the New Living translation it says "Unfailing love and faithfulness protect the king; his throne is made secure through love".

A king is a person of authority and he represents a place of authority. Jesus is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords. He's above all authority in heaven and on earth. Other English words used in the bible for this Hebrew word is goodness, kindness, faithfulness and again the New Living translates the word to be unfailing love. Truth is faithfulness, firmness, reliability, stability, continuance. These are all words that describe King Jesus and who He is. The verse says that these attributes preserve the king. Jesus throne and authority is established and preserved through mercy and truth. He has the right to rule because He is and does these things as He rules His subjects. The last part of the verse says his throne is upheld by mercy or loving kindness. Jesus throne or place of authority is upheld through love. Godly authority rules by and through love. The sacrificial love of the cross upholds Jesus place of authority. Jesus has the right to rule because of His death on the cross which represents the greatest act of love, laying down ones life for His friend.

We can judge our lives by this word. Does the words mercy, love, faithfulness, kindness, etc. describe who you are in your relationships. Jesus must first rule us before we will see these attributes become a part of who we are. The great thing is that as we come under the Lordship of Jesus we will begin to do what He does. We will establish His rule in the earth through our living out mercy, truth and loving kindness to those who are around us. May the throne of Jesus be established and may it continue as His people walk in the authority of Jesus the King of King and Lord of Lords.