THE ROAD TO KINGLY REIGN

When I think of the position of King, in my head words like sovereign, rule, reign, Majesty, Lord, Your Grace, leadership, responsibility and a whole host of others come to mind. My ultimate King is Christ Jesus. He has and will always exemplify every trait and characteristic of The King perfectly.

The wonderment that strikes me is that Christ delegates His rule and reign to us. Jesus is at the right hand of Father God right now, but His Holy Spirit dwells within each believer and the corporate church to testify to God's presence and show His love. This speaks of present day actions that display how Christians are leaders in the area of caring for others. Some capitalize on this notion and are on a great journey to becoming a great king or queen for Christ. Others who sit on their development, the result is not favorable. 

I do not know about you, but seeing myself as a priest or king of God is a challenge. However, even though we can start practicing this role now, Revelation 5:10 and other Scripture gives more of a throne based sense to this for our future.

• "You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth."
• "...if we endure, we will also reign with him." - 2 Tim. 2:12

Paul's description of our future role in his first letter to the church in Corinth was a little more detailed. Paul mentioned "the Lord's people will judge the world" and "we will judge angels". Here is the actual passage. 

• "If any of you has a dispute with another, do you dare to take it before the ungodly for judgment instead of before the Lord’s people? Or do you not know that the Lord’s people will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases? Do you not know that we will judge angels? How much more the things of this life!" - 1 Corinthians 6:1-3

However, you want to really get specific? Jesus told His disciples they would have the honor and great responsibility of judging from a throne.

• "Jesus said to them, 'Truly I tell you, at the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.'" -Matthew 19:28

This is an interesting delegation of judgment. Many biblical scholars I have studied view The Disciples as half of the twenty-four elders in Revelation 4:4. 

• "Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones and seated on them were twenty-four elders. They were dressed in white and had crowns of gold on their heads."

The other half is made up of leaders from the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Jesus, speaking to the Disciples, says, "you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.'" Why doesn't Christ have the Twelve Tribe leaders of Israel judge their own? A rulership and delegation we will have to wait to understand.

There is another specific group that is said to reign with Christ for a specified time because of their sacrifice. In Revelation 20:4-6, those people that are referred to as "they" are those souls who did not bow their knee to the satanically-indwelt Antichrist during The Tribulation that is still to come on the world. These individuals were beheaded by the Antichrist but shall be resurrected by Jesus and "they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years."

Kings, priests, thrones and rulership all intimidate me. Yet my King, Christ Jesus, has called my life to be the proving grounds of reigning with Him; to becoming a great leader, a wise ruler and a Spirit-filled king. 

Remember, whether you feel like a king or queen now, God has entrusted talents, gifts and responsibilities to our care for His purpose. Matthew 25:14-30 speaks about The Unwise Servant. This individual did not make the businessman's money-bag grow, he hid it or just sat on it. When the Businessman returned he said, "you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest." 

Jesus even elevated His point with another similar parable, a chapter earlier, in Matthew 24:45-47.

• "Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns. Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions."

Notice that this is a major level above the business man who gave a money-bag to be entrusted properly. This master has placed a particular "faithful and wise servant" who is "in charge of the servants in His household" for the purpose of giving "them their food at the proper time". 

These household servants and dispersement of food at the proper time  speaks to all those who are responsible for administering the Word of God to anyone in the House of God. Whether believers are blessing a child in the hallways, delivering an encouraging word in a small group in the home, or teaching from the pulpit - Christians are strongly encouraged to be found doing such - "It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns." Why? There is a reward that also comes with additional honor and responsibility - "Truly I tell you, he will put him in charge of all his possessions." 

Are you ready to rule and reign with Christ? The devil would like you to believe you do not rule or reign now. Satan would like you to believe you have no power to influence others for Jesus. Christ's compassion and His words and His actions are ours for loving on others. In addition, everything Christ's Word tells me is that believers are being groomed for an even bigger part in the role as a priest and king/queen of God. That is what the first visitation of Jesus was all about - showing us perfect servant-hood is The Road To Kingly Reign.

THE DEVOTED LIFESTYLE

To love God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind as Jesus instructed in Matthew 22:37 has got to be a life-long pursuit. This love relationship is tested again and again so beware to the wimps of relationships. 

Jesus, nor I, nor many other Pillars of the Faith will ever tell you that this road of faith is easy. In my perspective, Matthew 22:37-39 should read something like this - 

"'Love [Devote yourself to] the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love [care for] your neighbor as [you would care for] yourself.'"

Sometimes loving or devoting yourself to God, even with visible proofs of His presence, while not seeing the actual person of Christ - is difficult. Jesus even said, "Anyone who loves their father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; anyone who loves their son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me." (Matthew 10:37)

However, notice that Jesus did not stop us from loving our family; Jesus did not say for us to not love our parents, siblings and friends. He did say those who love family "more than me" are "not worthy of me". In fact, John records Jesus stating, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." (John 15:13).

The whole point to life is relationship with God through Christ Jesus. Jesus said, He is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). Knowing that Christ is all this for us is one thing. Living out a life that trusts in that is another. Placing Christ first in all that you do and being wholehearted about your devotion to God is what I believe Jesus was communicating in Matthew 22:37-39 and 10:37.

This type of devotion is tested with our limited senses. Thomas, the disciple known as Doubting Thomas, trumpets this point loudly. He wanted the unseen to meet the seen; he wanted faith to live with reality. 

The response of Jesus to Thomas and anybody feeling as Thomas was - "Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed." (John 20:29)

Every believer that has not seen Christ Jesus since His ascension is "blessed". Not that Thomas, the disciples in that room and others who had seen Jesus are not blessed - just their faith has been made sight. Paul, stated "I am convinced" several times concerning God's love and care during his challenged life. For the rest of the believing faithful - we are confident in what we hope for and assured about what we do not see (Hebrews 11:1).  This confidence, this hope, this assurance comes from The Devoted Lifestyle.

A PERFECT FITTING

Big and ferocious things were not strange encounters or battles to David. This shepherd boy had to learn at an early age how to kill animals several times his size, weight and speed. His flock of sheep depended upon him.

Fast forward to David's encounter with Goliath and David is protecting a particular flock once again - the nation of Israel. One of the big takeaways from this battle is what happened just prior to David walking out on the battlefield. 1 Samuel 17:38-40 says,

"Then Saul dressed David in his own tunic. He put a coat of armor on him and a bronze helmet on his head. David fastened on his sword over the tunic and tried walking around, because he was not used to them.

'I cannot go in these,' he said to Saul, 'because I am not used to them.' So he took them off. Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd’s bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine."

Most of us know the rest of the story, David showed everybody how to get ahead or a head (hahaha-a little biblical humor there). Meanwhile, David taught us the lesson of wearing the armor that was perfectly suited for us. 

God took David's shepherd-like qualities and militaristic skills as a boy, developed them in the pasture, then promoted him and his next set of lessons to that of a higher level - Shepherd, General, and King of Israel. 

God does the same for us, especially if we surrender our hopes, dreams and expertise to Him. 

"Let me ask you this question: Do you still ask your mother to dress you? .....that is exactly what many believers do! When they come to church on Sunday or to midweek service, knowing they haven't been in the Word all week long, they are saying, 'Preacher, would you please dress me in my armor? Would you put my belt on me?

Understand this: The teaching of the Word from the pulpit should only confirm what you have already heard God say personally to you through His Word during the week.

It's intended by the Holy Spirit to pull the belt that is already on you a little tighter.

...righteousness fits even better. ...sense of peace is locked on even more securely." (pp.278-279, Dressed To Kill, Rick Renner)

Willing minds and hearts before The Creator yields God taking what He has already blessed us with and developing us into the man or woman His Plan had for us all along.

However, there are at least two outfits that God has supernaturally made for Christians that believers should be wearing everyday. These outfits are The Great Commission Outfit and The Armor of God Outfit. In 1 Peter 3:15, believers in Christ are highly encouraged to keep a reply always on the tip of your brain and tongue for those who would ask about your faith in Christ.

• "Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander."

When the choice comes to wearing armor, you might comment, "I am a cook." Or "I am the stable-boy." Or "I am the seamstress of the kingdom." An enemy gives no mind to these things as he slaughters you. It is the same with the The Enemy of our soul. The enemy cares not about your rank or occupation, he will kill you, steal all from you and corrupt you unto destruction just the same. This is why, for those Christians who think they fill a less important militaristic role in God's Kingdom - they are dead before they even begin their ministry with Christ - they need to suit-up with The Armor of God also.

One element that some need to be reminded of is - to stand. After all this care to arm yourself or re-arm oneself - stand. After taking care of yourself, God's Armor and renewing those pieces on our Spirit-man or Spirit-woman - Stand! Even after entering the battle, don't run away from the challenge or conflict - stand! Observe how many times the command - "to stand" - comes in Ephesians 6:10-17, The Armor of God.......

• "Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes." (6:11)
• "Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand." (6:13)
• "Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist," (6:14)

Christians whether they acknowledge the concept or not are in a daily struggle that is unseen.

"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Eph. 6:12)

The Enemy is trying to win battles because he knows he has lost The War. It does not matter where one is in the Christian journey - whether one just accepted Christ or is a seasoned saint - we all need God's Armor, but then we need to stand! And we can take great confidence in knowing that "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6) Just remember, God has supplied us with His Armor which for every believer is A Perfect Fitting.

THE SECOND DAY

As the song goes "On a hill far away, stood an old rugged cross...", but then there was the Second Day. Those that followed Jesus were in despair because they had not grasped His words about His suffering, death and resurrection. Those that hailed Jesus as their King during His triumphal entry into Jerusalem were now disappointed in His non-militaristic approach. 

Jesus had performed many miracles in their midst, even brought people back from the dead, but now The Physician has to heal Himself; the dead has to take back His life. There would be only one way that is possible - Jesus is The Christ, The Son of the Living God.

The followers of Christ new this time was coming. Jesus told them many times about His future suffering, impending death and victorious resurrection three days later. But even recognizing a major crisis and starting the initial steps to deal with it can be trumped by the agony of The Second Day.

Sometimes, our Second Day is mercifully short in length of time. Other instances prove to be so long we wonder if "this too shall pass". I believe a big key to keeping despair, fear and discouragement away is to remain busy with the Lord's work. Just because the price was paid by Jesus on the cross did not mean Christ stopped working.

Paul, in his letter to the believers in Ephesus, quotes Psalm 68:18 in describing where Jesus was and what He did in The Day In Between His death and resurrection.

"This is why it says: 'When he ascended on high, he took many captives and gave gifts to his people.'

(What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended to the lower, earthly regions? He who descended is the very one who ascended higher than all the heavens, in order to fill the whole universe.)" - Ephesians 4:8-10

If ever we get our picture of Hades being located somewhere deep in the bowels of the earth - it is here. Looking up the original Greek for "lower, earthly regions", katoteros is the word used for "lower" and means inferior (locally, of Hades). The "earthly regions" part tell us this is an actual place beneath our feet. What was Jesus doing there? Taking captivity captive or setting the captives free. 1 Peter 3:18-20 actually gives us a mental picture of how Christ did this.

"For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive in the Spirit. After being made alive, he went and made proclamation to the imprisoned spirits— to those who were disobedient long ago when God waited patiently in the days of Noah while the ark was being built."

Here we have a little more detail. Those who died at least from the days of Noah until Christ's days are the ones mentioned here as being ministered unto. What did He proclaim? The power of His saving blood for the redemption of all humanity - past, present and future! I can hear an imprisoned spirit saying at that moment, "How are we going to see this salvation manifested?" Then Jesus might have replied, "You will ascend with me to Paradise after I take back my life from death and the grave and show my enemies defeated." Paul and Timothy continue this in their letter to the believers in Colossae.

"When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross." - Colossians 2:13-15

"The word 'triumph' is taken from the Greek word triambeuo, which is a technical word used to describe a general or an emperor returning home from a grand victory in the enemy's territory. Specifically, the word "triumph" was used to describe the emperor's triumphal parade when he returned home.

When a returning emperor or general came striding through the gates on his big, powerful, and beautiful horse, he was accompanied by his fellow victorious warriors, who also appeared glorious after their triumphant battle. As the parade followed, the weaponry and treasures seized from the enemy's territory were grandly displayed for all to see.

The grand finale to this triumphal procession was the foreign ruler himself. This ruler had been beaten and bound in chains and was now being forced to walk in disgrace, shame, dishonor, embarrassment and humiliation as crowds of people came to celebrate his defeat and to get a 'peek' at a once-powerful but now totally defeated opponent.

So when Colossians 2:15 declares that Jesus triumphed over evil powers, it is explicitly declaring that Jesus took the enemy apart piece by piece as He thoroughly 'spoiled principalities and powers'." (p.75, Sparkling Gems from the Greek, Rick Renner)

John records Jesus said, 

• “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33). 

However, not only did Christ overcome the world, He overcame the prince of this world, Satan, his minions, death and the grave! Our enemy is the walking dead or walking defeated. Christians can have a peaceful, victorious and hopeful Day In Between. Christ has experienced it all, conquered it all and promises to be with us all - no matter what the day holds. So, much of our victory stems from our holding fast and Christ's continued work or love on The Second Day.

GOD IS IN THE DETAILS

In Luke 24:39, Jesus appears to the disciples after He had risen from the dead and says, "Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself!" Why would He draw attention specifically to His hands and feet if that were of no importance to belief in how He had just died days before. Also, in John 20:24-28 Jesus deals with Thomas' unbelief. In verse 26 it says, "But he [Thomas] said to them, 'Unless I see the nail marks in his hands and put my finger where the nails were, and put my hand into his side, I will not believe it.'" A verse later, "Then he [Jesus] said to Thomas 'Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.' "

So, Jesus was crucified with nails probably the size and shape of a railroad spike. In addition, these nails had to be strategically placed to produce the most suffering (according to Roman aggression) and fulfill prophecy - no bone broken.

Joseph Zias, former curator of Archaeology/Anthropology for the Israel Antiquities Authority from 1972 to 1997 has posted some interesting thoughts on crucifixion in the time of Jesus (http://www.centuryone.org/crucifixion2.html). The following information is from his article "Crucifixion In Antiquity: The Evidence".

"In 1968 building contractors working in a suburb north of Jerusalem accidentally uncovered a Jewish tomb dated to the first century after the death of Christ. Lying in a Jewish ossuary bearing the Hebrew inscription 'Jehohanan the son of HGQWL' were the skeletal remains of a man in his twenties, who had been crucified. The evidence for this was based on the right calcaneum (heel bone) of the individual, pierced by an iron nail 11.5 cms. in length. The nail penetrated the lateral surface of the bone emerging on the middle of the surface in which the tip of the nail had become bent. The bending of the tip of the nail upon itself suggests that after the nail penetrated the tree or the upright it may have struck a knot in the wood thereby making it difficult to remove from the heel when the victim was taken from the cross.

Remains of olive wood found between the head of the nail and the heel bone suggest that prior to penetrating the heel bone the nail was driven through a wooden plaque so as to increase the head of the nail thus making it difficult for the victim to free his legs from the upright."



This might be the way Jesus was crucified in His feet - on either side of the vertical cross beam, so as to fulfill the prophecy that no bone would be broken. Clearly, if a railroad spike type nail goes through the top of the foot there is a good chance the bone is going to shatter. Another entry point could have been between the Achilles tendon and the ankle bone at the back of the foot.

Plus so much packed into such a small area and Romans not caring what they hit, I'll stick with a sideways approach of some sort - whether it be through the heel bone or Achilles Heel area. 

The nails in the hands had to have entered between the two wrist bones - the Radius and the Ulna bones.

If the railroad-spike-like nail had entered into the palm area of the hand, the hand bones would have been broken from the hammering first of all and prophecy would not be fulfilled. 

Second, the body weight from hanging on the cross would have torn Jesus off the cross when He gave up the ghost. 

Thirdly, I have heard it taught that the Romans considered the wrist, where they placed the nail, as part of the hand. One source I have seen documented on this is - Davis CT: The crucifixion of Jesus: The passion of Christ from a medical point of view. Ariz Med 1965;22:183-187. An additional source is - Barbet P: A Doctor at Calvary: The Passion of Out Lord Jesus Christ as Described by a Surgeon, Earl of Wicklow (trans) Garden City, NY, Doubleday Image Books 1953, pp 12-18 37-147, 159-175, 187-208.



So, the picture we have is of Jesus crucified with a nail through each wrist, between the Radius and Ulna bones. Then we have an image of two nails used to keep each foot to each side of the vertical beam of the cross.

Some individuals are going to read this and disregard the details and go straight to the overall picture - Christ obtaining the salvation of the world. However, knowing that prophecy was fulfilled on so many levels before, during, and after the trial with the flogging, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ puts me in awe of God's concern for the details, especially the prophetic details. There is an old saying that "the devil is in the details", but it is PAINFULLY Clear that in this situation and many others in the story of our salvation and in particular the crucifixion - God is in the details! He said not one bone would be broken for a reason - He was the sacrificial lamb. John proclaimed this as Jesus approached him one day - "Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." - John 1:29

To understand how God orchestrated cultures so that this method would be used to kill The Savior is not a study in vain. There is richness and satisfaction beyond words when one digs a little deeper. I found this to be true as I wrote this. My heart and spirit were moved at the same time my brain was stimulated. He is in control of the smallest technicalities as well as the overall picture, don't overlook those specifics, they are great nuggets of truth to examine as you realize God Is In The Details.