God's Kingdom Rule
But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to myriads of angels . . . - (Hebrews 12:22)
This progression of blessing is laid out beautifully in Psalm 128. In verses 1–2 we see the blessing that comes from personal responsibility or self-government: “How blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in His ways. When you shall eat of the fruit of your hands, you will be happy and it will be well with you.”
Then the blessing moves to the family: “Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine within your house, your children like olive plants around your table” (v. 3). When you become responsible for yourself, your mate and your children flourish.
Next in line is the church. “The Lord bless you from Zion” (v. 5). Zion was the place of worship where the temple was located. The church—the people of God, the spiritual community—is blessed when God’s government operates the way it should, since it is the New Testament expression of Zion (see Hebrews 12:22–24).
Then what happens when the individual, the family, and the church get it right? The government of the nation experiences blessing: “May you see the prosperity of Jerusalem all the days of your life. Indeed, may you see your children’s children. Peace be upon Israel!” (Psalm 128:5–6).
When people govern themselves under God, you have peace and blessing. Are you governing your life according to God’s Word and His principles of government? If you are, you can expect God’s blessing. But if you aren’t, then don’t blame anybody else.
Are you governing your family under God’s kingdom rule? If you are, there’s blessing waiting for you again. But if you aren’t, don’t complain about the church or the government.
Reflection: Do you sense God’s blessing on your life and your family? In what ways is God opening the door for you to bless others outside your family? Pray that God will open opportunities for you to bless your family and others.
Lord, grant me the legacy of Psalm 128. Where I have failed, forgive me. Where I can change, show me. Let my life be a living testament of what this passage proclaims.
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