Kingship
Part Two
We recognized last week that God’s desire in creation was to be mankind’s King. He knew it was the best way and leads to the higher life or kingdom living.
As we peruse the Old Testament we find God’s chosen leaders right from the beginning: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and Joshua. After they entered the Promised Land the leadership began to fall apart since they were not respected or obeyed. Even though God’s leaders had roles of influence and control over His people, eventually they wanted more.
When we look at the book of Judges we see the result of no leadership in the lower story:
In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.
When Yahweh wasn’t recognized as King and they didn’t have an earthly king, we see the result. We mustn’t forget that the Jewish people wanted a king (lower story) but not a heavenly One (upper story); they wanted to be like other nations (1 Sam. 8:5-7). They realized kingdom living belonged to them, anticipated the Promised King, Messiah, but were mistaken in their type of king. Consequently, God sent the prophet Samuel to anoint Saul as the first earthly king of Israel, per their request. Whenever we put our trust in man we’re disappointed because no man compares to God as King of our lives.
As Saul began his reign it seemed everything was going well until the enemy entered the picture to destroy the kingship. We must never forget that Satan also has a kingdom, it’s invisible as well, and he demands total control. Jesus declared:
You say I am empowered by Satan. But if Satan is divided and fighting against himself, how can his kingdom survive? Luke 11:18
Saul was soon tormented by demons, his kingship threatened Satan’s control, that eventually overpowered him. Scripture is clear:
Wrath is cruel, anger is overwheming, but who can stand before jealousy? Pv. 27:4
For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.
James 3:16
When God finally had enough of Saul’s poor leadership He chose a young man named David to reign over His people. Even though he was a good man Satan’s temptations got the better of David and he also fell into sin as did his son Solomon. Again, Satan’s delegated authority over the earth will not be threatened for long since he is the prince of demons (Luke 11:15).
What do these lower stories have to do with us? I believe these men serve as reminders that God must remain on our life’s throne with total reign as King (upper story). When we allow the enemy to usurp His authority it yields God’s kingdom to him and surrendering to temptations completes the cycle. Here’s our answer:
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33
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