16:59.

Hebrews 1:8

But about the Son he says,"Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom"

Wow. A scepter is this staff or rod-like thing a king or sovereign of a nation carries. It is an emblem, a symbol of the sovereign's well, sovereignty. In other words, it is the object that demonstrates your royalty. It may be "just a " ceremonial object to carry but it is the visible sign of your inherited royalty.

When you are righteous, people see Christ in you. They see your divine royalty. And It's through this righteousness (impossible to inherit through works) that people see your heir-hood: Christ in you manifesting.

How do you tell the world that Jesus reign or that you are a Christian? With a cross around their neck? No, by the cross they carry in their lives to showcase the righteousness of God, Christ Jesus.

What is righteousness? I reckon if we try to seek His Kingdom and His Ways first, righteousness is a natural result. And righteousness doesn't mean stuffy boring but you know that already.

In some nations, if a king loses his scepter, he forfeits his right to rein. Serious consequences. Oh sure, he's still part of the royalty but he loses his influence and sovereignty. Reminds me of what's written: If salt loses its saltiness, what's its use?

Go down the chapter a bit more and there's verse 14:

"Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?"

"Inherit salvation" - We are not talking about whether your parents or uncles or aunties know Jesus and thus you automatically inherit something. We are talking about the realness of how we are adopted into God's own family when we receive Him. And thus, we are given salvation by our blood ties with the Lamb of God who died for us. Christ earned our salvation so we can inherit it and enter His family through it! Royal blood runs through our veins now!

And what a mystery that is! And how awesome!

Lord Jesus, I pray that our lives bear fruit. That You continuously show us how You have changed our lives, the contrast between the old and the new us, and how we are your children now by inheritance through your blood! And help us, Dad, to bear fruit and be righteous that all men may see You. Amen.

:)