Kingdoms…
I was reading this morning in John 18 and came to verse 36. Jesus states clearly here that His kingdom is NOT of this world. That word 'world' means 'cosmos or material universe' and knowing that, we begin to understand what Jesus meant.
How could it be that He was only the King of Israel? He created the entire universe and could not, would not simply be King of just a part of it no, His plans and purposes are far beyond this - He is King over ALL, over all we can see and know about and all we cannot see nor yet even imagine.
I thought about this and my mind went to 1 Corinthians 2:9 - 'but just as it is written, Things which eye has not seen and ear has not heard and which have not entered the heart of man, all that God has prepared for those who love Him.'
And then to 1 Corinthians 13:12 - 'For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I have been fully known.'
Paul is of course speaking in a different context but don't those two verses give us a glimmer of understanding of the enormity of the plan and the purpose of God? Don't they help us to see that those believers who want to "take the world for Christ and then He will return to it as King - who think that the church will have dominion before Christ returns" - those who hold to Dominion Theology as it is called, are setting their thoughts on something way too small!
Christ is already Lord of ALL - His is already King of kings and Lord of lords - He is already in control, already ruling and reigning, already holding sovereign power over not simply this universe but beyond - into what is for us the the great unknown - into realms we cannot not even imagine.
Hebrews 1:3 tells us that 'He is the radiance of His (God's) glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power'.
He has been doing that forever - how do we know that? Because 'Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever' Hebrews 13:8
We cannot contain in our 'pea' brains the extent of His power and authority , cannot get our heads around eternity and infinity, and are left simply awestruck at our God, that He would do all that He has done to make it possible for you and for me to be a part of His magnificent plan.
And this God, this awesome, majestic, sovereign God, the Lord of ALL has told us what we are to be doing until He comes - we are to be denying ourself, picking up our cross daily and following Him. We are to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, we are to be presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice which is our reasonable service of worship so that we can prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect - we are to be making disciples, proclaiming His excellence...why?
So that we will be ready, equipped, made fit to rule and reign with our King here on this planet for 1,000 years and then beyond to live with Him in the new heaven and a new earth for all eternity.
Do not allow Satan to short-change you into thinking that before Christ comes back we can take this world for Christ - that is a dominion way too small! Do not let him talk you into believing that your God has made a mistake, doesn't understand, needs your help in order to come again - do not let him lead you into paths that only end in futility and despair.
Look up and see your God, high and lifted up - full of grace and truth and mercy and love and joy and peace. See Him there, the One who knows all things, who called you and loves you and will complete what He began in you.
Look up and see the great and mighty and awesome Christ and then determine that you will follow this God, this King and that you will do what He has called you to do until He comes.
To Him be the glory!
