CHRIST'S INCREASING KINGDOM Devotion 1 of 36 From the beginning, men have been inclined to delineate God and the things of God within the framework of human thoughts and conceptions. In His indictment of such folly, the Lord declared, "These things hast thou done, and I kept silence; thou thoughtest that I was altogether such an one as thyself: but I will reprove thee, and set them in order before thine eyes" (Psalm 50:21). This propensity, the Lord affirms, evidences a condition in which men "forget God" – Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there be none to deliver" (verse 22). It is a most serious condition, not to be understated or ignored. -- Tomorrow:
Few areas have suffered as much from debilitating human analysis as that of the kingdom of Christ. The misapprehension of its nature has produced division among professed believers. Theological walls have been zealously erected between believers because of this misapprehension. Flawed theological dogmas have been developed and perpetrated to the hurt and consternation of multitudes of people. Indeed, when the teachers of the law, so to speak, fail to see the nature of the kingdom they profess to represent, a most serious situation follows.
The Kingdom of Christ is the realm in which salvation is being accomplished for both the individual and the entire body of Christ. It is a domain in which "the day of salvation" is being fulfilled (2 Cor 6:2). Here, "the Sun of righteousness" shines "with healing in His wings" (Mal 4:2). In this kingdom, Satan's power is neutralized as delusion is dissipated by illumination.
The King has been given "all power in heaven and earth" in order to bring God's "eternal purpose" to its culmination. Marshaling the angelic hosts, and commissioning the Holy Spirit, the Lord Jesus is bringing "many sons to glory" (Heb 2:10). He rebukes the devourer, binds Satan, and dispels the powers of darkness in His ministry of bringing men to God (1 Pet 3:18). In this kingdom God is working everything together for the ultimate good of "them that love the Lord, and are the called according to His purpose" (Rom 8:28).
How grand is the kingdom over which Jesus presides! Through it evil is subdued and righteousness promoted. The intentions of the devil are frustrated, and the purpose of God is effectuated. The purposes of the wicked are overthrown, and the saints of the Lord are strengthened. The hearts of the righteous are illuminated, and strong delusion is administered to those who receive not the love of the truth. The temptations of the people of God are controlled by King Jesus, and the angel of the Lord encamps round about them to deliver them from fear of evil (1 Cor 10:13; Psalm 34:7).
The announcement of this kingdom constrained men to press into it, seizing it with unparalleled energy (Matt 11:12). It was perceived as a prize to be obtained at all cost. Once seen, it was viewed as an inestimable treasure, for which the loss of all else was counted but a small thing (Matt 13:44; Phil 3:7-8). This is a kingdom that can be received by men – a kingdom that will bring eternal benefit. Thus the Spirit witnesses, "Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe" (Heb 12:28, NASB).
This is not a philosophical kingdom, but one with Divine objective. It is not an object of mere study, but one in which men participate. It is the result of Divine initiative, is governed by a Lord that is a Savior, and is animated by the Holy Spirit of God. Angelic hosts have been summoned into the activities of this kingdom, appointed "to render service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation" (Heb 1:14, NASB).
The objective of this series of devotions is to emphasize one of the marvelous traits of this kingdom. It is an ever-increasing kingdom. It does not diminish, lose its effectiveness, grow old, or become obsolete. Mark it well – this is not a kingdom that ought to increase, but one that DOES increase! That is its nature, a nature that cannot be effectively contradicted! It only remains for individuals to become identified with this kingdom. Once this is accomplished, they too will increase, advance, and grow within the framework of Divine objective! It is not possible to abide and not grow!
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for a King and a Kingdom that is stable and cannot be overthrown.