The Kingdom of God Is His Rule - Alternative View - October 25
For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. - (Colossians 1:13–14)
The kingdom of God is His rule, His plan, His program. It is all-embracing, covering everything in the universe. We can define the kingdom as God’s comprehensive rule over all creation.
If God’s kingdom is comprehensive, so is His kingdom agenda. The kingdom agenda may be defined as the visible demonstration of the comprehensive rule of God over every area of life.
The Greek word Scripture uses for kingdom is basileia. This means a “rule” or “authority.” It includes the concept of power. So when we talk about a kingdom, we’re talking first about a king or a ruler.
Now if there is a ruler, there also have to be “rulees,”or kingdom subjects (Colossians 1:13). In addition, a kingdom includes a realm—that is, a domain over which the king rules. Finally, if you’re going to have a ruler, rulees, and a realm, you also need kingdom regulations: guidelines that govern the relationship between the ruler and the subjects.Th se are necessary so that the rulees will know whether they are doing what the ruler wants done.
God’s kingdom includes all of these elements. He is the absolute Ruler of His domain, which encompasses all of creation. Likewise, His authority is total. Everything God rules, He runs.
Reflection: How do you react to the statement that God’s rule is “comprehensive . . . over every area of life”? What areas are hard for you to submit to God’s authority? How does your submission to God’s authority allow you to function as you were created to function?
Father, I recognize and honor You as King and Ruler. Not only over all of Your creation, but over me. I exalt Your name as the one true King—knowing You are ultimately in charge of all things. Help me to walk according to Your rules and regulations because these will guard my life.
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