GOODNEWSLETTER
_____________________Number 413 March 21, 2012_____________________
Did Biblical Kings Have Too Much Power?
"Samuel said, This will be the behavior of the king who will reign over you: he will take your sons and appoint them
for his own chariots ... He will appoint captains over his households ... some to plow his ground ... some to make his
harvest ... to make his weapons of war ... he will take you daughters to be perfumers, cooks, and bakers..." 1st Samuel 8:11, 12 & 13.
God's sovereignty is always behind what He does. Just look at the rhetorical question in Isaiah 14:27, "For the LORD Hosts has purposed it and who can disannul it? ... " Of course, no one can! Certainly, not me! So, early we learn that every jot and tittle of the word has God's backing. His plan is eternal. This is what we see when the Apostle Paul used comparisons to get ideas across to the church, as well. "Though it is only a man's covenant, yet if it is confirmed, no one annuls or adds to it" (Gal. 3:15).
Setting up kings to lead His people was the choice of the LORD. Of the many reasons for this; here's one. God wanted to reveal to Israel; in TYPE, that though many men fail, His Son would not fail. In the beginning before the creation, God had planned for His Son to rule mankind. Jesus is the answer.
So, the kingly accounts show that God rejected many Kings for failing to obey. God removes; as well as, set up a king, remember. All kings were placed on the throne by God; but, like the first man, Adam, the job just couldn't be done by man. That is, not completely and ongoing. Sin brought an end to every King; even David, who's heart was after God's own heart. Yet, the plan of God was to show that man, as king, will lead His people. Although, we see so many miss the mark, the man, Jesus, did not. Bow before Him; for, AFTER PURGING OUR SINS, He " ...sat down down at the right hand of the Majesty on high," Hebrews 1:3. Jesus did not and will not, fail in this calling from His Father.
We are too quick to judge those chosen by the Lord and, way too selective in our judgment. We like David but not Saul. Don't judge but learn. What we must see is that the kings called would produced a kingly lineage; that necessary lineage, to bring God's Son into the world to rule mankind. God is consistent; as His call to Abraham and the PROMISE He made to him. The PROMISE continued through all the kings; the good ones and those who were not - until Jesus was born.
Thus, today, the promise of reigning over the earth is found everywhere in God's Word. The book of Galatians tells us that "... to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, 'And to seeds," as of many, but as of one, 'And to your Seed," who is Christ" (3:16). In the Abrahamic PROMISE we see God's purpose continue on; even though, man failed.
And, as we look at the kings and leaders making all those erroneous actions in judgment, we learn that God is revealing a truth to us that His plan is for man to reign on earth as kings. Look up, Brother; for, "... Jesus Christ,the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. ... and has made us kings and priests to His God the Father...," Revelation 1:5-6.
OH! BY THE WAY, HOW ARE YOU REIGNING OVER WHAT GOD HAS GIVEN TO YOU? See you at the ALTAR.