How Will You Rule?
On the Feast of Trumpets, we celebrate the reality that the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ and He shall reign forever and ever (Revelation 11:15). On this day, we who remain faithful to God to the end of our human lives will be made kings and priests to the God and Father of Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:6). The Bible promises that we will be given power over the nations (Revelation 2:26), and we will be able to sit with Christ on His throne (Revelation 3:21). Our rule will be right here on earth (Revelation 5:10) and we will live and reign with Christ for 1000 years (Revelation 20:4, 6).
But how will we rule? Have you ever thought about how you plan to rule once you are put in charge of a hamlet or city or state? What will you do? Does running your own household cause you so much grief that you really are not enthralled at the idea of ruling a city or state? Or, have you already been drawing up your plans and setting up your agenda so that you will be ready to roll when you are given power take up your position as king and priest?
Whose model will you follow? Will you follow the examples of present–day leaders, like Hugo Chavez of Venezuela or Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran? Or how about some noted leaders of the past: Ivan the Terrible, Caligula of Rome, or Alexander the Great. Or maybe big names from the 20th century – Lenin, Stalin, or Mao? All of those were notoriously bad rulers and it is unlikely that many of their subjects mourned their passing. When you think about it, is there any human leader you would want to copy?
How the Kingdoms of this World Are Ruled
Let’s take a quick look at how the kingdoms of this world are ruled. Over the past 6000 years, the vast majority of human beings on planet Earth have endured the rule of tyrants and despots. Too many of these rulers have seemed to find great delight in finding new and better ways to kill and torture their subjects. Leaders typically have a strong hunger for power over others or have a need for other humans to look up to them in adoration, awe, and worship – the Satan syndrome. They are willing to do anything to maintain their power and adulation from their subjects. That nearly always means using oppressive force and coercion. The kingdoms of this world use force and fear to keep the subjects in line. Authoritarian governments use outer control to maintain power and order. These types of governments – whether national or in a family or institution – never produce good fruits. People who are oppressed will either eventually rebel or just passively comply with the external controller. When they passively comply, they are prone to developing a variety of diseases and disorders and exhibit negative coping mechanisms. In oppressive societies or families, violence and abuse towards weaker members are usually present. In the former Soviet Union and the current Russia, oppression has begotten a nation full of alcoholics. In families where the father is authoritarian and controlling, the children either rebel and do everything old Dad forbade them to do, or they just go along and do not learn to think for themselves. In the worst cases, the women and daughters are severely abused physically and/or sexually, and the sons grow up thinking women are to be beaten and used.
The Proverbs give accurate and true descriptions of human behavior and the results. Solomon wrote that “… a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1) and “A wrathful man stirs up strife…” (Proverbs 15:18). Biblical principles tell us that harsh, oppressive, angry governments produce strife and anger. Where strife and uncontrolled anger exist, there are no good results.
On the other hand, permissive rulers let everything go. There are no controls whatsoever. Individuals in such families or societies do not learn self-control; they do not form good habits and good character. They find it hard to ever deny any desire of the flesh or to stop any thought that pops in their heads.
God’s way of ruling is neither oppressive nor permissive. He wants us to choose His way as the right way, to recognize that His Way works, and willingly seek to make His Way our way of life. He wants us to internalize His Laws and commandments and have His nature, character and attitude built within us. He wants us to have inner, self-directed control – not having to be forced to obey, nor being unable to obey because we have no character.
It is abundantly clear that the kingdoms of this world have produced a multitude of problems. The good news is that each of us has been called to help solve those problems. So, how will you rule? The Bible is quite clear on the basics of leadership. Here are some fundamental principles that will prepare us to fulfill our duties when the time comes.
Know the Law
Every ruler must know the laws of his kingdom. The governments of man are filled with laws. The European Union’s system of laws consists of over 80,000 pages of rules and regulations – in excess of 20 million words. What man can administer such an unwieldy code? Realistically, no human could ever know all those laws. But God’s basic code of laws for us and for His Kingdom is quite simple. It consists of 10 commandments – one column of one page in the Bible and only 322 words. God is training us today in the use of His Law. Every day we are administering that law in our personal lives. If we learn how to use the Law in the midst of Satan’s world, we should know how to use it in the Kingdom of God.
The scribes and the Pharisees had the Law, but it is quite evident from the scriptures that their use of the Law was quite deficient. We really would not want to follow their example of leadership. Christ issued stinging indictments against how they treated others and called them hypocrites. They had the Law, but that was not enough. What else do we need to be rulers in the Kingdom of God?
Reflect the Attitude, Nature, and Character of the King
The scribes and Pharisees had the Law but they did not have God’s Spirit. They did not have His nature inside them. They did not possess His attitude. The fruits of God’s Spirit show us how the Law should be applied.
Galatians 5:22-23
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
Rulers in the Kingdom of God will administer the Law with love, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control. Kings will be longsuffering, show faithfulness, and promote peace.
What are some things we will not do? Ephesians 6:4 gives a general principle that we can use in ruling.
Ephesians 6:4
And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
How many fathers, mothers and leaders provoke those “under” them by screaming, using angry hurtful words, and harsh treatment? Paul wrote that good leaders bring them up in the admonition and training of the Lord – teaching right behavior, being kind, merciful. So to reflect the character, attitude, and nature of God, we must get rid of mean-spiritedness when we deal with others. If you are named king of Bombay, what will be your first order of business – have a big beef barbecue and force them to eat it? If that is your plan, you might want to sign up for another job.
Follow the Teachings and Example of the King
Christ gave the foundational principles for ruling in His Kingdom in Matthew 20:25-28.
Matthew 20:25-28
25 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. 26 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. 27 And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave — 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."
Servant: NT:1249 diakonos (dee-ak'-on-os); probably from an obsolete diako (to run on errands; compare NT:1377); an attendant, i.e. (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a Christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon or deaconess): KJV - deacon, minister, servant.
Slave: NT:1401 doulos (doo'-los); from NT:1210; a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency): KJV - bond (-man), servant.
In verse 25, He pointed out how man rules – lording it over the subjects and exercising authority over them. But He says that is not how it is to be done among His followers and in His Kingdom. Instead, His leaders are to be “servants” and act as “slaves.” Christ said He did not come to be served and to be over others. He urged His followers to not fall into the trap of wanting to be top dog. Instead, He showed that His example was to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. Leaders in the Kingdom of God must also be willing to serve and put their whole being into doing good for those they are kings for.
Rulership in the kingdom of God is not like rulership in the kingdoms of men. We are called to give and serve, to teach the way of God, to give help to those who are having trouble following that right way. We will have to reflect God’s merciful, kind and caring nature. We must rid ourselves of all the notions that we will rule like the Gentiles – using great displays of force and power. Instead our job is to provide the service needed to bring many sons to glory. [Let it be noted that it is quite evident that Christ Himself will have to use force to put down rebellion and attack at the beginning of His reign and later when God and Magog come up against the unfenced cities. Also, some negative consequences will have to be meted out when people are disobedient – no rain for those who refuse to keep the Feast of Tabernacles (Zechariah 14).]
We were called to serve, to be a slave for those we rule in the coming Kingdom of God. Let’s start now showing we can administer and rule the way God the Father and Jesus Christ want. Let’s learn His Laws, administer them in our daily lives with His attitude and His Spirit, and use the principles of serving that Christ gave. When we do those things, we will be prepared to rule when Christ returns.
But how will we rule? Have you ever thought about how you plan to rule once you are put in charge of a hamlet or city or state? What will you do? Does running your own household cause you so much grief that you really are not enthralled at the idea of ruling a city or state? Or, have you already been drawing up your plans and setting up your agenda so that you will be ready to roll when you are given power take up your position as king and priest?
Whose model will you follow? Will you follow the examples of present–day leaders, like Hugo Chavez of Venezuela or Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran? Or how about some noted leaders of the past: Ivan the Terrible, Caligula of Rome, or Alexander the Great. Or maybe big names from the 20th century – Lenin, Stalin, or Mao? All of those were notoriously bad rulers and it is unlikely that many of their subjects mourned their passing. When you think about it, is there any human leader you would want to copy?
How the Kingdoms of this World Are Ruled
Let’s take a quick look at how the kingdoms of this world are ruled. Over the past 6000 years, the vast majority of human beings on planet Earth have endured the rule of tyrants and despots. Too many of these rulers have seemed to find great delight in finding new and better ways to kill and torture their subjects. Leaders typically have a strong hunger for power over others or have a need for other humans to look up to them in adoration, awe, and worship – the Satan syndrome. They are willing to do anything to maintain their power and adulation from their subjects. That nearly always means using oppressive force and coercion. The kingdoms of this world use force and fear to keep the subjects in line. Authoritarian governments use outer control to maintain power and order. These types of governments – whether national or in a family or institution – never produce good fruits. People who are oppressed will either eventually rebel or just passively comply with the external controller. When they passively comply, they are prone to developing a variety of diseases and disorders and exhibit negative coping mechanisms. In oppressive societies or families, violence and abuse towards weaker members are usually present. In the former Soviet Union and the current Russia, oppression has begotten a nation full of alcoholics. In families where the father is authoritarian and controlling, the children either rebel and do everything old Dad forbade them to do, or they just go along and do not learn to think for themselves. In the worst cases, the women and daughters are severely abused physically and/or sexually, and the sons grow up thinking women are to be beaten and used.
The Proverbs give accurate and true descriptions of human behavior and the results. Solomon wrote that “… a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1) and “A wrathful man stirs up strife…” (Proverbs 15:18). Biblical principles tell us that harsh, oppressive, angry governments produce strife and anger. Where strife and uncontrolled anger exist, there are no good results.
On the other hand, permissive rulers let everything go. There are no controls whatsoever. Individuals in such families or societies do not learn self-control; they do not form good habits and good character. They find it hard to ever deny any desire of the flesh or to stop any thought that pops in their heads.
God’s way of ruling is neither oppressive nor permissive. He wants us to choose His way as the right way, to recognize that His Way works, and willingly seek to make His Way our way of life. He wants us to internalize His Laws and commandments and have His nature, character and attitude built within us. He wants us to have inner, self-directed control – not having to be forced to obey, nor being unable to obey because we have no character.
It is abundantly clear that the kingdoms of this world have produced a multitude of problems. The good news is that each of us has been called to help solve those problems. So, how will you rule? The Bible is quite clear on the basics of leadership. Here are some fundamental principles that will prepare us to fulfill our duties when the time comes.
Know the Law
Every ruler must know the laws of his kingdom. The governments of man are filled with laws. The European Union’s system of laws consists of over 80,000 pages of rules and regulations – in excess of 20 million words. What man can administer such an unwieldy code? Realistically, no human could ever know all those laws. But God’s basic code of laws for us and for His Kingdom is quite simple. It consists of 10 commandments – one column of one page in the Bible and only 322 words. God is training us today in the use of His Law. Every day we are administering that law in our personal lives. If we learn how to use the Law in the midst of Satan’s world, we should know how to use it in the Kingdom of God.
The scribes and the Pharisees had the Law, but it is quite evident from the scriptures that their use of the Law was quite deficient. We really would not want to follow their example of leadership. Christ issued stinging indictments against how they treated others and called them hypocrites. They had the Law, but that was not enough. What else do we need to be rulers in the Kingdom of God?
Reflect the Attitude, Nature, and Character of the King
The scribes and Pharisees had the Law but they did not have God’s Spirit. They did not have His nature inside them. They did not possess His attitude. The fruits of God’s Spirit show us how the Law should be applied.
Galatians 5:22-23
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
Rulers in the Kingdom of God will administer the Law with love, kindness, goodness, gentleness, and self-control. Kings will be longsuffering, show faithfulness, and promote peace.
What are some things we will not do? Ephesians 6:4 gives a general principle that we can use in ruling.
Ephesians 6:4
And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the training and admonition of the Lord.
How many fathers, mothers and leaders provoke those “under” them by screaming, using angry hurtful words, and harsh treatment? Paul wrote that good leaders bring them up in the admonition and training of the Lord – teaching right behavior, being kind, merciful. So to reflect the character, attitude, and nature of God, we must get rid of mean-spiritedness when we deal with others. If you are named king of Bombay, what will be your first order of business – have a big beef barbecue and force them to eat it? If that is your plan, you might want to sign up for another job.
Follow the Teachings and Example of the King
Christ gave the foundational principles for ruling in His Kingdom in Matthew 20:25-28.
Matthew 20:25-28
25 But Jesus called them to Himself and said, "You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. 26 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. 27 And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave — 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."
Servant: NT:1249 diakonos (dee-ak'-on-os); probably from an obsolete diako (to run on errands; compare NT:1377); an attendant, i.e. (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a Christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon or deaconess): KJV - deacon, minister, servant.
Slave: NT:1401 doulos (doo'-los); from NT:1210; a slave (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary; frequently, therefore in a qualified sense of subjection or subserviency): KJV - bond (-man), servant.
In verse 25, He pointed out how man rules – lording it over the subjects and exercising authority over them. But He says that is not how it is to be done among His followers and in His Kingdom. Instead, His leaders are to be “servants” and act as “slaves.” Christ said He did not come to be served and to be over others. He urged His followers to not fall into the trap of wanting to be top dog. Instead, He showed that His example was to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. Leaders in the Kingdom of God must also be willing to serve and put their whole being into doing good for those they are kings for.
Rulership in the kingdom of God is not like rulership in the kingdoms of men. We are called to give and serve, to teach the way of God, to give help to those who are having trouble following that right way. We will have to reflect God’s merciful, kind and caring nature. We must rid ourselves of all the notions that we will rule like the Gentiles – using great displays of force and power. Instead our job is to provide the service needed to bring many sons to glory. [Let it be noted that it is quite evident that Christ Himself will have to use force to put down rebellion and attack at the beginning of His reign and later when God and Magog come up against the unfenced cities. Also, some negative consequences will have to be meted out when people are disobedient – no rain for those who refuse to keep the Feast of Tabernacles (Zechariah 14).]
We were called to serve, to be a slave for those we rule in the coming Kingdom of God. Let’s start now showing we can administer and rule the way God the Father and Jesus Christ want. Let’s learn His Laws, administer them in our daily lives with His attitude and His Spirit, and use the principles of serving that Christ gave. When we do those things, we will be prepared to rule when Christ returns.
posted by Manuel at 9:17 PM
1 Comments:
I expect updates during the Feast since you have internet.
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