For The Monarchy

In Judges, there is a troubling story.  I have reminded you of this story several times because it is s story of priority, perspective, and place.  The story begins with Judges 19:1.  "In those days Israel had no king."  What follows is the most vile and decadent story of rape, murder, dismemberment, war (over 100,000 died), partial genocide, and finally a shacky peace.  The story ends with this statement (Judges 21:25) ... "In those days Israel had no king, and everyone did as they saw fit."

Let's talk about the Biblical idea of a monarchy.  God's kingdom is a monarchy.  There is a true, just, merciful, grace-filled, and beautiful King on the throne.  His name is Jesus, and "on His robe and on His thigh He has a name inscribed, 'King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 19:6).'"  God Himself made those inscriptions, so it is (and must be) true.  God's Kingdom is of the heart (Luke 17:21), on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10), and near (Luke 17:21).  It is universally known that the Kingdom of God is the primary teaching of Jesus.  Jesus begins His ministry with these words from John the Baptist ... "Behold, the Kingdom of God is at hand (Matthew 3:2)."

Why am I bringing this up today?  In Jesus' last prayer (John 17) Jesus says that the disciples (including us) are "not of the world" but are "not to be taken out of the world."  In the song, Land of My Sojourn, Rich Mullins writes about America, saying, "Nobody tells you, when you get born here, how how much you'll come to love it, and how you'll never belong here, so I'll call you my country, and I'll be lonely for my home, and I wish that I could take you there with me."  This is precisely the Gospel meaning of Jesus' prayer in John 17 ... we are IN the world, but not OF the world.  We are Kingdom people, with a King (that is our priority), a perspective (we view the world through the lens of Jesus), and a place (we are "bound for the promised land").

On this day when we honor those who have invested their energy, love, blood, sweat, and tears in this experiment called America, I want each and every person to give thanks.  Our country is, with all of its flaws, the greatest country ever.  But as you pray, give thanks, and tell our veterans, "Thanks for loving us and your country enough to place everything on the table for us," never forget we owe ALL allegiance to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  Also, I respectfully ask you, who is your king, and in whose kingdom are you choosing to live?  Evaluate your priorities, your perspectives, and your desired place of final destination.  Then, let's talk Sunday about Kingship and Kingdoms.  See you there!  Randy