“ON EAGLES’ WINGS MINISTRIES”
“When Shall These Things?" Matthew 24: Part 15.
“Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.” Matthew 24: 45-47. “And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father. And I will give him the morning star.” Revelation 2: 26-28.
In previous studies, we examined the dynamics of the Stone Kingdom, the stone that hit the image on the feet and broke the entire image, all four kingdoms, in so much that they became as the chaff of the summer threshing floors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone grew and filled the whole earth. Daniel 2: 43-35. In this study, we are going to look more closely at the prerogatives of this same kingdom, delving into more of its several components that serve to add power and structure to what God had in mind in the first place.
Some prominent preachers and teachers of scripture, even some among “Sonship and Kingdom” persuasion claim that there will never be a visible kingdom of God seen as a theocracy. They believe that God’s kingdom as outlined in scripture is confined to the believers’ power and might in the Holy Ghost. This study is not meant to change your beliefs, but to focus very closely on what the scriptures actually say, and what we can, in all honesty conclude from God’s word. Let me quickly add this little nugget! Our beliefs for or against or being neutral, have no impact upon God’s ultimate purpose in his dealing with mankind and his own creation at large. He will do what he will do, with us, or without us, so the writings of all our dear loved ones who write and teach will not change a single iota of what God does. But as teachers and exhorters, we share from the heart what we think the Father is saying at any particular moment. It’s like a fisherman throwing his hook and line into the sea. It is up to the fish to swim by, ignoring the bait, or to grab it and be hooked.
Many who believe and teach a spiritual kingdom only, willingly refer to the following verse of scripture as a foundation for their belief: “Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.” John 18: 36. J. B. Phillips translation renders the verse in this manner: “My kingdom is not founded in this world—if it were, my servants would have fought to prevent my being handed over to the Jews. But in fact my kingdom is not founded on all this.” The Revised Standard Version of the Bible puts it this way: “My kingship is not of this world; if my kingship were of this world, my servants would fight, that I might not be handed over to the Jews; but my kingship is not from the world.”
Looking more closely at the King James Version that we quoted first, we notice a single word that changes the picture, but seemingly missed by the masses who teach a spiritual kingdom only. That single word is Now! Jesus is saying that at this moment when I am speaking, my kingdom is not from hence, so Rome has nothing to fear from me. My intention at this time is not to set up an earthly kingdom that would rival or compete with Roman authority, but in his reply, Jesus did not indicate what the future would bring. He did not say whether or not there would be a future installment of the kingdom of God in the earth. He addressed the issue at hand by inserting the word NOW. Whatever position we take on this issue, it stands to reason that his kingdom is not from hence, or it does not originate from here. This includes the Holy Ghost sent down from above. “Unto whom it was revealed, that not unto themselves, but unto us did they minister the things, which are now reported unto you by them that have preached the gospel unto you with the Holy Ghost sent down from heaven; which things the angels desire to look into.” 1 Peter 1: 12.
Even if we differ in what we believe the scriptures used in this study are saying, we should observe the overall language of what we read. There are times when scripture offers just a hint of truth, and it is up to us to tap into the mind of the Spirit to seek for more, and I believe that the “more” that we seek will be in conformity or perfect harmony with that which was offered to us in brief. Daniel made it clear as follows: “These great beasts, which are four, are four kings (or kingdoms) which shall arise out of the earth. But the saints of the most High shall take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom for ever, even for ever and ever.” Daniel 7: 17,18. We just mentioned the language of scripture! By looking at the language used in these two verses, what reality seems to form in your mind? Does this language seem to suggest that the prophecy points to the Holy Spirit inside the believer? For clarity it is safe to say that we don’t take the kingdom and possess the kingdom if it is already in us in the form of an anointing or gifts of the Spirit.
The language of scripture is so concise and dynamic that it is extremely hard for one to get confused over its true meaning. The Ancient of days appeared on the scene and opened the picture to a wider and all encompassing dimension. “And there was given to him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.” Daniel 7: 14. Since the Ancient of days was just mentioned, let us turn to the narrative of scripture and scan through the record itself. “I saw in the night visions, and , behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they (they who? The escorting clouds of angels, the same clouds that received him out of their sight at his ascension) brought him near before him. Daniel 7: 13.
The scripture says that that the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and was brought to the Ancient of Days. Because the verse mentioned, “came with the clouds of heaven” multitudes ran off saying and teaching that this is the second coming of Christ, for lo he cometh with clouds. But this was not an earthly vision. This was a scene in heaven and Daniel was brought in to be a witness, because God will not leave himself without a witness. How do we know that this scene was in heaven and not on earth? Because Jesus himself had given us a hint of what would happen! He said himself: “A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a kingdom, and to return. And he called his ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy until I come. And it came to pass, that when he was returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called unto him, to whom he gave the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading. Luke 19: 12,13,15. Let us explain a little nugget at this juncture. The noble man went away to receive for himself a kingdom, and them he came back after a while, but he did not bring the kingdom with him, why? Because the kingdom was already here! You may ask, if that was the case, why did he go away to receive the kingdom? He went to the Ancient of Days as it were, to receive the title and deed to the kingdom. Remember that in the book of Revelation, he was the only one worthy to take the book and to open it. The noble man returned having the title and deed as it were, under his arm.
As we said before, many believe that the kingdom of God, as far as we are concerned, will only be a spiritual reality and some of those who believe this, strongly brush aside any suggestion that there will be a visible kingdom upon the earth in which God’s people reign. But let us examine the language of scripture as we mentioned before. “Then came the first, saying, Lord, thy pound hath gained ten pounds. And he said unto him, Well, thou god servant: because thou hast been faithful in a very little, have thou authority over ten cities. And the second came, saying, Lord, thy pound hast gained five pounds. And likewise he said to him, Be thou also over five cities.” Luke 19: 16-19. Let us look for a moment at the accomplishment of the Lamb. “And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” Revelation 5: 9-10.
We need to examine the building blocks or major components of that which constitutes a kingdom. First of all, there has to be a king (or queen) and there has to be a throne. Not merely a piece of furniture in a building used as a seat. For instance, when the Queen of England is in South Africa, or in Mozambique, or dining and dancing under a moonlit sky in Hong Kong, she is still on the British Throne simply because she is the ruling monarch, no matter where she physically happens to be. To sit with Christ on his throne means to share his kingly power and it has nothing to do with our physical posture or geographical location. The next component is subjects. A king does not reign over empty land masses void of its inhabitants. So there has to be a king (ruler) a throne (seat of power) and subjects (those being ruled over.) Later in this study we will give this matter a more thorough scrutiny along with supporting scriptures.
It was said in Old Testament times that David would be king forever; but as many commentators already observed, since David died a long time ago, it required a person who would not die to occupy the throne, and there is only one man in human history qualified to occupy David’s throne forever—and that man is Jesus Christ. When we settle down to study this man Jesus Christ, the first truth that stares us in the face is the he was born a king. “Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.” Matthew 2: 1,2. Were these men talking “off the record” as reporters say on television when they don’t want to commit entirely to a statement? Did these men grossly miss the mark and were completely out of touch with reality?
Perhaps being wise men they had access to Old Testament scriptures in which the words of outstanding prophets were recorded. There is no record of what their background was, but one thing we do know for sure; they were right on the button! Yes, indeed! A king was born, and a king whose time had ran out became troubled, and all Jerusalem with him (verse 3.) But some 599 years before Christ was born a prophet heralded the news that neither himself nor any people of his day would ever see. “Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and will execute judgment and justice in the earth.” Jeremiah 23: 5. Some 713 years before the first advent of Christ, a prophet announced with clarity and conviction: “Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment. And a man shall be as an hiding place from the wind, and a covert from the tempest; as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.” Isaiah 32: 1-2.
In about the year B.C. 487 a prophet saw down the corridor of time, what is now known as Palm Sunday, as Jesus rode into Jerusalem upon the back of an ass and wrote: “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.” Zechariah 9: 9. The angel Gabriel was candid and emphatic in the delivery of his message to Mary. “He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end.” Luke 1: 32-33. How can people with a clear, clean understanding read these powerful scriptures and promptly turn aside saying that Jesus was just a good man, a prophet like any other prophet? Come on, my Friend! Be real!
So the first building block to God’s kingdom was to provide a king, and sure thing, God provided such a person. The difference between this King and the kings of Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, and the emperors of Rome, is that they saw their kingdoms decline and vanish before their very eyes. But this King lives to guide and monitor the continued expanding borders of his kingdom. “Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord will perform this.” Isaiah 9: 7. Just about every Christmas Sunday morning, preachers around the world stand in their pulpits and preach from verse 6 and emphasize the names or titles of the child that is to be born 713 years hence. Yes, Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. I don’t want to sound unkind or overly skeptical, but speaking in truth, I must say that in all my years in Church life, I have never heard a Christmas Morning sermon on verse 7, speaking of the ever increasing government and peace that shall have no end.
We would have loved to keep the King and the Kingdom separate in this study, but somehow they come as if in one package. For instance, Luke 1: 32 speaks of Jesus Christ coming on the scene as a king upon David’s throne, but the narrative runs directly into the fact of his kingdom lasting for ever. So then, we have provided 2 major components of the kingdom—namely, the King and the Kingdom—the latter of course involves people, such as, “All nations shall serve him.” But he still needs a throne to underscore and under gird his kingly authority. Let us be sure that God did not forget this most important detail and Paul outlined this in his letter to the Hebrews. “For unto which of the angels said he at any time, Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee? And again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son? And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him. And of the angels he saith, Who maketh his angels spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire. But unto the Son (Jesus Christ, who many believe to be only a mere man, a good man, and a mere prophet) he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness, is the sceptre of thy kingdom.” Hebrews 1: 5-8.
Thus, we see that all the major components of a kingdom are in place and in the correct order. We have a King; we just saw that we have a Throne accompanied with a sceptre; and there is a kingdom that will stand for ever, even for ever. I truly believe that the time has come for us to fully teach and announce who Jesus really is. When I was in grade school back in the late 1940s, there were other students of other religious faiths that teach their people that Jesus was a man, on the same level as Adam. They astonishingly believe that if Jesus was any thing greater or of a higher realm than Adam, he could not have redeemed mankind. Others of another faith believed that Jesus was just a good man and a prophet, and because he learned the prophecies of the Old Testament, he went forward having those prophecies fulfilled on him. My! My! That must be quite an accomplishment indeed, for he would need a host of people working in coo hoots with him, and he would have to manufacture all the circumstances needed to set in motion all the events figured into those fulfillments.
Speaking of Jesus Christ, and his relationship to God the Father, the narrative of scripture said: “Who being the brightness of his glory (the brightness of God’s glory) and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high. Being made so much better than the angels, as he hath by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.” Hebrews 1: 3,4. Could a mere human do this? “But as they sailed he fell asleep: and there came down a storm of wind upon the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. And they came to him, and awoke him saying, Master, master, we perish. Then he arose, and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water: and they ceased, and there was a calm. And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! For he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.” Luke 8: 23-25. Listen to this little episode in a day of Jesus’ life. “Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him? The officers answered, Never man spake like this man.” John 7: 45-46.
My Friend, I don’t know about you, but as for me, although I have read these scriptures over and over all these many years, at this moment of writing them for your edification and growth in God, I feel like shouting God’s praises. I feel like worshipping our Great and Mighty Savior yet again! I feel like looking him in his eyes and say, “Dear Lord, there has never been a man like you who walked the earth. Truly, you are God made flesh that dwelt with us and shared our humble existence so that you can minister to our own limitations and flaws, being made like one of us.” “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4: 15,16.
Let us continue on the theme of “The language of scripture” and you, the reader, is left to come to your own conclusion based upon your own understanding of the written word offered in this study. Let us assume that you are among those who believe only in a spiritual kingdom, and as such, you believe that the world of greed, rivalry, suspicion, oppression of the poor, and needless wars, will simply continue with no remedy or end in sight. Against this kind of backdrop, we turn to the scriptures again for contrasting views, designed to jog our minds and to set us thinking more deeply and with more conviction. Jesus is here speaking to John on the Isle called Patmus and the Lord is addressing the church in Thyatira: “But that which ye have already hold fast till I come. And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.” Revelation 2: 26-27.
The N. E. B. version puts it this way: “To him who is victorious, to him who perseveres in doing my will to the end, I will give authority over the nations—that same authority which I received from my Father—and he shall rule them with an iron rod, smashing them to bits like earthenware; and I will give him also the star of dawn.” Of course, we cannot envision God’s people acting like wrecking balls and bull dozers flattening entire cities, and leaving chaos and bereavement like the aftermath of a killer tsunami, or a category 5 hurricane taking out everything in its path. Nevertheless, the language used in the passage we just offered, seems to suggest complete power and authority in the hands of a special class of God’s people, and they are called “overcomers.”
This prompts us to revisit a verse of scripture we quoted before! “And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.” Revelation 5: 10. This verse seems to be quite straightforward and should need no further clarification, but we still need to ask an important question. If every one who overcomes is made kings and priests, who are the subjects over whom they shall reign? As we said before, a monarch or ruler has to have subjects as part of the kingdom. Can one king and priest rule over another king and priest? I absolutely doubt it! Let us clarify a point of great importance at this juncture. Will one person be king and priest? Or will there be a company of kings and a company of priests? The latter seems more reasonable an answer. However, I see yet a greater implication or convergence of truths in this verse.
I see what is called “a king—priest ministry” based upon certain concepts. Listen to this entire passage of scripture: “But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain (kingdom) of the house of the Lord shall be established in the top of the mountains (other kingdoms) and it shall be exalted above the hills (smaller kingdoms) and people shall flow unto it. We understand that plants feed by what is called capillary attraction, a process in which liquid food is drawn up to the upper parts of the plant by way of the roots and bark. A tree without bark will soon fade and die. Notice that people will be flowing uphill to the house of God! Need a rapture? Here is one in plain view! And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law (involving kings) shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the Lord (involving priests) from Jerusalem.” Micah 4: 1-2.
If we adopt this model, we can easily see how kings and priests fit into the grand designs of what God is unfolding in the midst of his people and his creation. I don’t know about you, but I think that for a mighty long time people all over the world will be learning the ways of our God. Many yearn for a rapture, the marriage supper of the Lamb, and the never ceasing fires of hell that will burn for ever and ever. God has painted a picture that seems to suggest that mankind will continuously learn his ways. A preacher friend of mine who turned out to be my father in the ministry once said in one of his Sunday Morning sermons in the City of Baltimore, Maryland: “Even in eternity we will continue to learn God, because if we come to learn all that is there to learn about God, he ceases to be God, because God is ever expanding in his person and in his mysteries.” Hallelujah! How much more about God are we willing to teach and preach? It is sad to say that many among the masses look upon us and what they see causes them to say or to think, “If that is the kind of God they know, we want no part of him.” Jesus was willing to say, “If you see me, you see the Father.” He possessed and conveyed all the attributes of the Father. He was the embodiment of the Father! He was full salvation bottled or parceled into a single human body. He did not merely bring a message, but he was the message and could freely say as he visited the house of a local citizen; “Today is salvation come to this house” Why could he say that? Because he was God’s saving grace embodied in a body of flesh and blood..
Royce O. Kennedy