Many televangelists talk about the Kingdom of God. One this week is offering a product titled “Benefits of Kingdom Living”. When I see this emphasis I feel they still have a little way to go. Would you rather be a citizen of the Kingdom of God or a member of the royal family? Those of you living in a republic do not fully understand the stability of having a non-political head of state in a constitutional monarchy.
Every Christian is a citizen of heaven, for the Father “has rescued us out from the power of darkness and has transported us into the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins” (Colossians 1:13-14). And every believer is a member of the royal family, “For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn, with many brothers and sisters. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And he gave them right standing with himself, and he promised them his glory. What can we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” (Romans 8:29-31 NLT).
Now, can you see the difference between being a citizen and a member of the royal family? I’m not putting down the importance of our citizenship. I’m simply emphasising the advantage of seeing yourself living in the palace with all its privileges. I’m proud to be a citizen of my country, well, most of the time, but I’ll never be a member of the royal family. Yet as a believer I am one of the “many brothers and sisters” of Christ Jesus, who is the son of the King of Kings! So I’m in the royal family. Glory!
Decades ago, when a boy, we would sing at church, “My Father is rich in houses and lands, He holdeth the wealth of the world in His hands! Of rubies and diamonds, of silver and gold, His coffers are full, He has riches untold.
One of my favorite Southern Gospel songs is from the 1960s and was sung by the great Statesmen Quartet. Written by Mosie Lister in the late 1940s it says “The King and I walk down life’s road together Where many people go passing by. The greatest One and I a lowly beggar, Walk hand in hand The King and I. [Chorus] Why He should care for me will always be a mystery, He holds the whole world in His hand but what am I? And so my heart somehow can’t help but wonder, Why we’re together The King and I.” (Listen to it on YouTube.)
So while there are around 14 references to “kingdom” in Paul’s writing, the major emphasis is on what E.W. Kenyon called “the way of a Father with His family.” Start today seeing yourself as a child of the King while still being thankful for that your “citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Philippians 3:20 ESV).
What a thrill to know not only that we have been plucked out of the realm of the enemy’s tyranny and placed in such an exalted position with Christ at the right hand of God! Totally amazing! What privileges! And most amazing of all our inheritance is our access–our direct access to the Father! Yes, this is the beginning of an eternally intimate relationship! And one we can enjoy now. No wonder we are encouraged to Enjoy our share of the inheritance–Now!
As always, dear teacher, thank you for your years of dedication and service to God for his people!
And thank you, Father for your great work in him.
Guy
Thanks so much for a greater thought indeed! I want to have a deeper understanding in who my Father God is. This article was a stepping stone for me this morning. To ponder on my rightful place as a child of The Most High, all because of Jesus, changes very situation I could encounter. Lately I have been struggling with dark fears of the future. My children are grown and I want to know what Jesus has in store for me. Today I will try to keep my mind on this truth, that I am not just a citizen of Heaven, but a child of God. I want a deeper understanding of God’s love for personally. This my prayer request to know the love of God better! Thanks again for help today along that way.
God bless you, Nancy