Revelation 1:1-8 Joel Keller
The word kingdom, again, jumped out at me today. It brings me back to the studies I've done over the years about the word. When Jesus began His public ministry, He came preaching the gospel of the kingdom. The word kingdom conjures up for me ... well, a King and His servants. The word of the King was weighty; an edict from the King meant something. Whatever the King said, the people followed. In this day of "everyone doing what is right in their own eyes" (Judges), we would be wise to return to the perspective of the King and His kingdom.
I learned much of the teaching on the kingdom from John Wimber, who learned it from George Eldon Ladd. I can highly recommend Ladd's books: The Gospel of the Kingdom and New Testament Theology. Ladd defines the word kingdom as the reign, the rule or authority. So when we pray 'let Your kingdom come' we are asking for the reign, rule & authority of God to come into our situation/our life. Isn't that what we need today - the reign, rule & authority of God to come into every aspect of our lives? That is certainly a deep need in my own life.
As we begin our studies in the Book of Revelation, let's keep in mind that we serve the King. The Kingdom of God is at hand, and is to come; the now, but the not yet. In what specific areas of your life do you desire God's reign, rule & authority?
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