Today is the twenteth day of Advent. Our word for today is "Ruler."Matthew 2:3 When King Herod heard this, he was troubled, as were all the people in Jerusalem. 4 Herod called a meeting of all the leading priests and teachers of the law and asked them where the Christ would be born. 5 They answered, “In the town of Bethlehem in Judea. The prophet wrote about this in the Scriptures:
6 ‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
are not just an insignificant village in Judah.
A ruler will come from you who will be like a shepherd for my people Israel.’” (NCV)
are not just an insignificant village in Judah.
A ruler will come from you who will be like a shepherd for my people Israel.’” (NCV)
Micah 5:2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
though you are too small to be among the army groups from Judah,
from you will come one who will rule Israel for me.
He comes from very old times,
from days long ago.”(NCV)
though you are too small to be among the army groups from Judah,
from you will come one who will rule Israel for me.
He comes from very old times,
from days long ago.”(NCV)
In the Matthew passage, the King James Verson of Scripture translates the word "ruler" as "Governor." It could also be translated "King." Jesus came to be the "Ruler" of a special kingdom. During His ministry He was known far and wide as "King of the Jews." Even at His death on a Roman cross, the words "King of the Jews." was placed over His head. The truth is, He was not just King of the Jews, He was King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Revelation 19:16 On his robe and on his upper leg was written this name: king of kings and lord of lords.(NCV)
Now if He is a ruler, a king, where is His kingdom? There is a two-fold answer.
First of all His Kingdom is present and spiritual.
Jesus answered, “God’s kingdom is coming, but not in a way that you will be able to see with your eyes. 21 People will not say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or, ‘There it is!’ because God’s kingdom is within you.”(NCV)
When Jesus was ask by the Pharisees (the most conservative sect of the Jews) about the kingdom of God, He told them that God's kingdom was within them. He was speaking about the rule of God in the hearts of individuals and over nations. His kingdom was not limited to a geographic location. It was not limited by boundries or boarders.
Today the kingdom is not the church, which is a group of baptized, born-again believers in Christ that congregate and minister in a certain place. The kingdom on the other hand is God's rule and God's influence. America at one time was considered a Christian nation. It was designated so, not because every person had a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, but because the principles from the Bible, and the ethics of Jesus held power over us as a people. In other words, the kingdom of God was at work within the kingdom we call the United States of America. Though the infulence of that kingdom has been diminished, the kingdom of God is still present. We pray that it's influence may increase through God's people.
Jesus was never political. He transended the politics of His day. He knew that the Jewish people and His true followers were under the government of Rome. He did not come to overthrow Rome and set up a free Israel. He came to establish a kingdom within a kingdom. He desired that spiritual kingdom to act as salt to preserve, and yeast to lets influence spread throughout the Roman Empire, and eventully throughout the whole world.
I have noted that there are many who have read my blog from various nations of the world. Many of those governments prohibit personal freedom, and some even persecute those that openly declare their Christian faith. I want you to know that if you are a true believer in Jesus the Christ, you are part of a kingdom, within your earthly kingdom. No earthly or demonic power can change that. And you have personal access to your surpreme ruler. Let His hope sustain you, His power enliven you, and His presence comfort you.
Second of all the Kingdom of God is future and physical
Revelation 11:15 Then the seventh angel sounded: And there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!”(NKJV)
Yes there is a future kingdom, when all the kingdoms of this world will be ruled over by the King of Kings, the Lord Jesus Christ. This is the same one as that one born in a stable. As believers we have this future kingdom to look forward to. It is a wonderful and exciting prospect. But we must never become so preoccupied with the future and physical kingdom that we neglect to be a vital part of this present and spiritual kingdom.
Let the following words of Jesus challange us:
Acts 1:6 When they were together for the last time they asked, “Master, are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel now? Is this the time?”
7-8 He told them, “You don’t get to know the time. Timing is the Father’s business. What you’ll get is the Holy Spirit. And when the Holy Spirit comes on you, you will be able to be my witnesses in Jerusalem, all over Judea and Samaria, even to the ends of the world.”(MESSAGE)
The forgoing reference is taken from the paraphrase "The Message." Jesus never denied a future and physical kingdom. What He did do was give the order become witnesses to every kingdom of this world. The same orders are given to us. We must march forward in the power of the Holy Spirit and take the kingdom of God to every corner of our world. Many of you may never be able to travel to another part of our world, nor should you, but you can be the salt, light, and yeast where you are. Will you take that challenge and make a difference today?
ATTENTION, HERE COMES THE KING!
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