For many years I’ve noticed that ‘trends of doctrines’ sweep through the various movements in Christian circles I’ve been involved in (affecting close friends and acquaintances). Such waves of doctrines have come and gone since the Apostles’ days, deeply penetrating people’s hearts and minds and causing deep divisions and confusion.
One very prominent teaching has been around for many years which I’ve heard and seen playout around me and now being reported by mainstream media. This doctrine titillates the human desire for worldly gain, power, and self-promotion – in this present world structure. The teaching plays on the prophecy, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of the Lord and His Christ” (Revelations 11:15). The false twist applied to this scripture is that God’s people are to take these kingdoms by gaining positions of power within all forms of worldly structures and governments in this present age. To the carnal mind, this sounds like a grand idea and a worthy goal.
Sadly, these people are ignorant of the darkness that covered the western world when the governing structures were ruled by the ‘will of the church’. One clear result that rises under such theocracies is that the ruling powers are not subject to the law that they create and enforce on the masses. Also, the highest forms of punishment (including death) are reserved for those who do not believe various forms of doctrine. Belief and submission to the ruling powers is of the highest concern in such structures – which can be seen today in countries that are ruled by religion. Promising peace and freedom, they only deliver oppression.
There is much to say about this topic – but in short, remember, the Jewish nation was expecting Christ to come as a great ruler raising Israel up over its oppressors, just like King David did of old. For were not all the prophecies about Christ of him being the offspring of David and that he would sit on David’s throne ruling the nations? Instead, He came riding on a donkey, even less than a donkey, a donkey’s colt, which needed its mother handy due to its young age. His crown being of thorns, his throne (on this earth) being a wooden cross. His victory being to enter death and rising to life sitting on the throne of heaven with His father. This is exactly the calling of each and every Christian, to carry our cross, to give our lives for the brethren, to sit with Christ on His throne – if we overcome.
Do not be cheated into thinking we are to ride on white horses and rule the kingdoms of this world in this life. The day is yet to come that the prophecy of Daniel is fulfilled in full – where the rock carved out without hands smashes all the kingdoms of this world to pieces. Do not take the bait to rule future rubble and loose the true Kingdom; that Kingdom which dwells within, not without, in this present life.
Putting things into perspective. At times we may arrive at positions of power in our secular work, be it in a support role or a leadership role. Daniel is a great example; being close to powerful rulers of the most powerful empires the world has seen. He carried out his duties faithfully – though he never compromised his faith, even in the face of death. If we find ourselves in such positions, let’s follow Daniels example; after all, he knew firsthand that the kingdoms he was helping to administer would one day be the rubble they are today.
Food for Flock 