With the war in the Middle East, dubbed Epic Fury, its attack on Iran, rising gas prices at home, and conflicts around the globe, it’s easy to become anxious and overly focused on the here and now—on our nation and the kingdoms of this world.
About a month ago, my Facebook friend and preaching colleague, Doy Moyer, shared the following thoughts that offer a much-needed Scriptural perspective:
There is only one kingdom that is eternal. There is only one that stretches across time, physical boundaries, nations, tongues, and earthly rulers. There is only one that is not dependent in any way upon kingdoms of the world and does not advance through shedding of blood or carnal warfare. Nor is its defense found in taking up swords and arms.
This is the kingdom of heavenly citizens, the New Jerusalem, those whose names are enrolled in heaven (Heb 12:18-24). Its citizens are strangers and pilgrims in Babylon, exiled, and longing for the return of their King whereupon the resurrection of life is theirs as they finally realize the new heavens and new earth, dwelling with God eternally. These heavenly citizens seek the welfare of where they temporarily reside, but they know where their allegiance lies and that only God’s kingdom will remain.
This kingdom is the stone that crushes all others (Dan 2:44-45), not by military might or the power of worldly princes, but by the resilient spreading of God’s word and living lives committed even to death. The power of this kingdom is in the cross, the blood of the Lamb, the King who wields the two-edged sword from His mouth.
As soldiers of this kingdom, be careful about the entanglements of the world, for “No soldier gets entangled in civilian pursuits, since his aim is to please the one who enlisted him” (2 Tim 2:4). The world is not ours to love (1 John 2:15-17).
“For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.”
Doy’s observations remind us of our true allegiance—our need for spiritual focus—and the importance of a deeper commitment to the eternal Kingdom rather than to those that will one day crumble.
They also point us unmistakably to our King—Jesus Christ.
He is “the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen” (1 Tim. 6:15–16).
No president, prime minister, or earthly king can take His place—or even begin to compare with His greatness and glory.
Nor can any religious leader demanding earthly allegiance occupy His throne.
Jesus alone is supreme—unparalleled, unprecedented, and preeminent. He plainly declared, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth” (Matt. 28:18).
His kingship and His kingdom rise far above all others.
And so, as Doy reminds us, “we do not put our trust in princes or in the kingdoms {of men}”—for they will fall.
But the Kingdom of God will stand forever.
–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman
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