Prince or Pauper?

A year ago in London a baby boy was born to rule.  Prince George is third in line for the throne, a royal by birth. Though he looks just like thousands of other boys in England, he will hold a place of honor and privilege. He will be prepared to take his place years from now as the crowned head of the kingdom. He must learn how to use the authority conferred on him so that he may rule well.

On this Monday morning, do you know that you, too, have been given a place in a kingdom? 

Jesus said, “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom." (Luke 12:32, NIV)  The word used in the text does not mean a physical realm, a piece of real estate, or the crown of some nation.  Jesus said we (His people) are given the “basileia” – the authority to reign, royal dignity!  Before we go off on some silly tangent, lets read the context of that amazing declaration.  "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? Since you cannot do this very little thing, why do you worry about the rest? “Consider how the lilies grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you, not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. 

“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys." (Luke 12:25-33, NIV)

Daily life is often chaotic, filled with things that can make us quite anxious.  We have experiences like these:

Just when we think our financial circumstances are secure, the company announces a pending restructuring.
Pain signals that our body is not functioning properly and our doctor tells us that we need surgery.

Temptation rises up in us and we are frightened by its intensity.

Our confidence fails and we wonder how we will finish the tasks that are our responsibility.

Jesus, whom we trust Him as Savior and Lord, invites us to see rise above the panic that is common to humanity in such situations and to realize that we are part of a kingdom that knows no lack, failure, sin, or doubt!  We value our royal privilege too little, it seems to me. 

Inviting people to enter the Kingdom of God and to begin to live in the King’s provisions and to exercise the King’s authority was the message that Jesus brought and that He commissioned us to share.  After He called the disciples and taught them, the Gospel says that He "gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick." (Luke 9:1-2, NKJV)

I am well aware that some Christians read the promise and run off – unprepared and full of dreams – to attempt silly things supposedly in the Name of the King! Many others simply do not accept their divine privilege and continue to live as victims of sin and Self;  fearful, and weak. Our high calling is to be filled with the Spirit of God from Whom we gain wisdom.  From Him we gain depth of character and insight that allows us to exercise our princely authority.  Does the gift of ‘the kingdom’ make us exempt from the trials of life?  No.  The truth is that the Enemy of God takes aim at those who humbly receive the call.  They, however, are secure in Him, knowing that  "despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:37-39, NLT)

Are you in the grip of anxiety today?  Find a place to ponder the promise.  Ask the Spirit to teach you about your identity in Christ Jesus. Grow in grace and learn to live ‘in the kingdom.’

Here is a word from the Word -

“Jesus Christ, … is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth.

To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood,  and has made us to be a kingdom and priests to serve his God and Father—

to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.”    (Revelation 1:5)

_______________

Majesty

Majesty! Worship His majesty!

Unto Jesus be all glory,

Honor, and praise.

Majesty, kingdom authority,

Flow from His throne,

Unto His own,
His anthem raise!

So exalt, lift up on high,

The name of Jesus.

Magnify, come glorify,

Christ Jesus, the King!

Majesty! Worship His majesty!

Jesus, who died, now glorified,

King of all kings.

Jack Hayford

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