It definitely explains many things, like governmental posturing and aggression: "by the Holy Spirit, through the mouth of our father David Your servant, said, 'WHY DID THE GENTILES RAGE, AND THE PEOPLES DEVISE FUTILE THINGS? THE KINGS OF THE EARTH TOOK THEIR STAND, AND THE RULERS WERE GATHERED TOGETHER AGAINST THE LORD AND AGAINST HIS CHRIST.' " (Acts 4.25-26)
In the face of opposition, the early church clearly understood the true heart of the issue. Drawn to Psalm two, they recognized that rulers and governments are aligned against Yahweh God and His Christ, and thus the people of God. A state of war exists, and hostilities can quickly and easily break out.
In ancient times, Daniel both interpreted dreams and dreamed dreams pertaining to present and future governments. Each was visualized as a type of beastly animal - an appropriate representation of human government. Make no mistake: "the whole world lies in the power of the evil one." (1 John 5.19)
What's a believer to do? Live in terror at the ghastly potential of wicked government? The admonition of Jesus to be "shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves" (Matthew 10.16) seems applicable. Live above evil motives and behavior, but cast a wary eye toward government that can quickly turn against the people of God. And, pray that it does not do so (1 Timothy 2.1-2)
There is wisdom in knowing why things happen as they do in the world. Present upheaval is caused by nations and governments seeking to usurp the One true God and His Anointed Messiah.
This mortal struggle between the systems of the world and the Kingdom of God will not be alarming to those whose true allegiance is to the Kingdom of God. And the surest way to place our allegiance with the government of God is to seek its priority today: "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).
The nations are in turmoil because they are at war with the kingdom of God. We are at peace amidst the turmoil because our citizenship is in the kingdom through Jesus our Lord.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
In the face of opposition, the early church clearly understood the true heart of the issue. Drawn to Psalm two, they recognized that rulers and governments are aligned against Yahweh God and His Christ, and thus the people of God. A state of war exists, and hostilities can quickly and easily break out.
In ancient times, Daniel both interpreted dreams and dreamed dreams pertaining to present and future governments. Each was visualized as a type of beastly animal - an appropriate representation of human government. Make no mistake: "the whole world lies in the power of the evil one." (1 John 5.19)
What's a believer to do? Live in terror at the ghastly potential of wicked government? The admonition of Jesus to be "shrewd as serpents and innocent as doves" (Matthew 10.16) seems applicable. Live above evil motives and behavior, but cast a wary eye toward government that can quickly turn against the people of God. And, pray that it does not do so (1 Timothy 2.1-2)
There is wisdom in knowing why things happen as they do in the world. Present upheaval is caused by nations and governments seeking to usurp the One true God and His Anointed Messiah.
This mortal struggle between the systems of the world and the Kingdom of God will not be alarming to those whose true allegiance is to the Kingdom of God. And the surest way to place our allegiance with the government of God is to seek its priority today: "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).
The nations are in turmoil because they are at war with the kingdom of God. We are at peace amidst the turmoil because our citizenship is in the kingdom through Jesus our Lord.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2013
posted by steve @ 8:54 AM
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home