The Kingdom of God
Written by Eric R
The people of Israel wanted to have a king to lead, rule, and fight for them after they settled in Canaan. They tried to follow the practice that prevailed during the then-contemporary kingdoms instead of having the Lord as their King and Savior. God spoke through His Prophet Samuel about the attitude of the king and the style of his governance.
Samuel conveyed the message God wanted him to communicate to the people who were asking for a king. Let's read it from 1 Samuel 8 and verses from 10 to 18. He said, “This is what the king who will reign over you will claim as his rights: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots and horses, and they will run in front of his chariots. Some he will assign to be commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and others to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and still others to make weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. He will take your daughters to be perfumers and cooks and bakers. He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants. Your male and female servants and the best of your cattle and donkeys he will take for his own use. He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his slaves. When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, but the Lord will not answer you in that day.” (1 Samuel 8:10-18)
People of the present day across the world are in no way different from those who lived a few thousand years ago. We expect a savior to save us from all the injustice, corruption, and lawlessness from the leader who has power and authority. We demand self-respect, equality, and social justice in action from such leaders since such were the slogans they made to climb up to attain power. But, we are disappointed time and again. Leaders failed to keep up their campaign promises. A leader who hails from a humble background is expected to empathize with those living in unhealthy, unhygienic, and downtrodden backgrounds, but the same hasn't seen the light of the day during one's lifetime. At one point in time, people realized that those so-called leaders used such tactics to reach power and enjoy all those benefits that they used to criticize their former rulers in power. Those leaders know for sure that if they practice what they have preached, they will lose their power to someone who is making similar claims.
We know that this world is filled with imperfect people, and one cannot expect a perfect life on this earth. If so, what is the hope for humankind? Should we continue to live in depression and curse our lives and everyone around us? We are forced to think and regret living this life in such a peaceless atmosphere. Finally, we start realizing if there is any purpose in our lives on this earth. Where can we find answers to these questions? Let's read what the Word of God says. This Word gives clarity about the purpose of our life and answers to our heart's desires and all unanswered questions.
Let's read Romans chapter 8 and verses from 18 to 23. We'll come to know it is not only humans who live unsatisfied lives with groaning but also all creations and living beings. "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies."
Dear beloved, please don't give up; life is not going to end this way. The Bible says, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of His Government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this." ( Isaiah 9: 6-7 )
Our hope is built on nothing else but on Christ. He is the rock of our salvation. Our soul will enjoy all that we have expected and much more than we have seen, heard, or imagined. Let us continue to press forward. May God supply His goodness and mercy throughout our lives.
May God bless you!
