It's nothing new, but it's always new. A new regime seizes power in a country in turmoil. Another revolution topples existing government leadership. Protests and uprisings result in civil war. Amidst it all, an age-old question begs to be asked: "Why are the nations in an uproar?" (Psalm 2:1).
The real story behind the story is far simpler than meets the eye: "The kings of the earth take their stand And the rulers take counsel together Against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying, "Let us tear their fetters apart And cast away their cords from us!" (Psalm 2:2-3)
Contrary to what seems obvious, the real discontent is not over unfair taxes, abuse of civil rights, or discrimination. The true revolt is against our Creator Father and His standards.
Over two millennia ago, a band of followers of Christ - having been mistreated and reprimanded by the government of their day - saw the true conflict with clarity (Acts 4:25-26). The rationale and explanation was to be found in the truth of Psalm 2 - the system of the world is locked in mortal combat with the government of God.
The legacy of the conflict continues. The battles lines may not appear to be clearly drawn, nor is there necessarily open hostility. But, the principles that govern the citizens of the kingdom and the children of the evil one could not be more radically different. Inevitably, clashes result - in families, the workplace, in schools, in communities.
The mortal struggle between the system of this world and the Kingdom of God will not be alarming to those whose true allegiance is to the kingdom of God. The rallying cry of kingdom citizens is the model prayer and the kingdom mantra: "Your kingdom come. You will be done on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10). "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness" (Matthew 6:33). A decisive stand for the king and the kingdom is priority number one today - and always.
Amidst the cosmic conflict, there is peace for the citizens of the kingdom through Jesus our Lord. May we be battle-ready even as we experience that peace today.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
The real story behind the story is far simpler than meets the eye: "The kings of the earth take their stand And the rulers take counsel together Against the LORD and against His Anointed, saying, "Let us tear their fetters apart And cast away their cords from us!" (Psalm 2:2-3)
Contrary to what seems obvious, the real discontent is not over unfair taxes, abuse of civil rights, or discrimination. The true revolt is against our Creator Father and His standards.
Over two millennia ago, a band of followers of Christ - having been mistreated and reprimanded by the government of their day - saw the true conflict with clarity (Acts 4:25-26). The rationale and explanation was to be found in the truth of Psalm 2 - the system of the world is locked in mortal combat with the government of God.
The legacy of the conflict continues. The battles lines may not appear to be clearly drawn, nor is there necessarily open hostility. But, the principles that govern the citizens of the kingdom and the children of the evil one could not be more radically different. Inevitably, clashes result - in families, the workplace, in schools, in communities.
The mortal struggle between the system of this world and the Kingdom of God will not be alarming to those whose true allegiance is to the kingdom of God. The rallying cry of kingdom citizens is the model prayer and the kingdom mantra: "Your kingdom come. You will be done on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10). "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness" (Matthew 6:33). A decisive stand for the king and the kingdom is priority number one today - and always.
Amidst the cosmic conflict, there is peace for the citizens of the kingdom through Jesus our Lord. May we be battle-ready even as we experience that peace today.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
posted by steve @ 7:47 AM
1 Comments:
At 8:31 AM,
Preacher Dennis said…
I appreciate your comments Steve. It's remarkable that as a result of Peter and John's "boldness/courage" and because others could tell that "they had been with Jesus", 5,000 men decided to believe. Luke observed that the church recognized what happened and prayed for "boldness/courage" to share the "word of God". Perhaps that is something that we in the Church of God need to pray about this new year.
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