Continuing thoughts on the Gospel of the Kingdom:
We are blessed to live in a democracy -- or to be more specific, here in the States, a constitutional republic. It is "government of the people by the people and for the people" (Abraham Lincoln). The people have the power. As society changes, so do its laws, because there are no absolutes.
The United Kingdom, where I am from, is a constitutional monarchy. The government is a democracy and the Queen is its figurehead
Because we live in a democracy, when the Bible talks about the Kingdom, we have no real frame of reference to understand it.
A kingdom is ruled by a king. In an absolute monarchy, the king has undivided rule and complete sovereignty--supreme authority over his people. He decrees how the people live, is responsible for the governing laws. He is not subject to the will of the people; their responsibility is to serve him.
The good news of the kingdom is that we have a king who has made a way for us to enter his kingdom. But is being ruled by a king good news? It all depends on the character of the King!
In the next post, we will look at what our king has chosen to do for us.
Great post felecity!
Posted by: Sean Steckbeck | 07/07/2010 at 09:58 PM
In this kingdom the king is servant of those he rules... the model for all government!
Posted by: Carolyn Spence | 07/08/2010 at 05:49 AM
Carolyn, you are so right.
Posted by: Felicity Dale | 07/08/2010 at 08:50 AM
This could definitely rub some libertarian-minded Christians the wrong way!
I tend to slip into living my life as if I am the head of my own oligarchy: I'll exercise control if I believe it's in my best interest. The problem is that I don't usually know what is in my best interest.
Posted by: Joel Zehring | 04/15/2011 at 02:06 PM
A King who is also a priest and who now invites all who would submit to His loving authority to be a kingdom of priests. Incredible!
Posted by: Dave | 04/15/2011 at 02:15 PM
Great post!
When we say that Jesus is the King in his kingdom, the question rises how his will should be "handed down". I am absolutely sure that all of his followers should be able to hear his voice. But what do we do if we differently and what role has different types of leadership?
What do you think of this?
// Rickard Cruz
Posted by: Rickard | 04/15/2011 at 11:17 PM
It should be: "if we hear differently"
// Swedish guy trying to write in English =)
Posted by: Rickard | 04/15/2011 at 11:19 PM
Thought provoking comments everyone!
Rickard, I totally agree that all of us should be able to hear his voice. In my experience, it's not often that people hear differently. They may hear on different levels about the same thing with what one person hears building on another.
On the rare occasions they do hear differently if they are trying to hear some specific guidance, it may be a question of timing. I remember when we were part of a leadership group of a church in the UK, if one person disagreed strongly about a course of action, we would assume that we had to wait a while before moving ahead.
The main role of leadership in Ephesians 4 is to equip the saints for the work of the ministry. One of the key skills the saints need is the ability to hear God for themselves. Within a meeting context, the role of leadership is more of a facilitation, enabling what the Lord is saying to come out clearly.
Your English is excellent, btw!
Posted by: Felicity Dale | 04/19/2011 at 07:56 AM