#529 – The Contrasting Kingdoms
Their Contrasting Philosophies
The Central Pattern Of Government
The Character of Rulers / Kings and the Basic Design of Dominion
October 6, 2012
Mat 20:25 But Jesus called them to Himself, and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise authority over them. 26 “It is not so among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, 27 and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your slave; 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”
This discourse begins in Matthew 20: verse 1 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner. Just like most of what Jesus shared was integrally linked to the Kingdom of God, so this understanding of the Contrasting Governments is a revelation of how the Kingdom rulers will be required to function. The Kingdom Absolutes are linked to the two different philosophies of authority and dominion. The Kingdom method of governing is the ONLY one that is acceptable in the Divine Order of things. That is as Bondservants to the King and His subjects. In other words; There is no way to understand this “Kingdom directive” as something optional!
directive >noun an official or authoritative instruction. adjective involving the direction of operations.
The sum is this; This is how they operate but this is NOT how the Kingdom operates.
If you decide to “serve” like the Gentile Governments operate, you will not be acceptable or qualify for the Kingdom. To understand the message, we need to recognize that Jesus EXPECTS His disciples to function in some “ruling capacity” but He is warning them about the radical difference between these two methods of exercising authority and ruling. But why was He so concerned about this issue and why did He gave this “contrasting Example” as an absolute “law” at this time?
Mat 20:18 “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem; and the Son of Man will be delivered to the chief priests and scribes, and they will condemn Him to death, 19 and will deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock and scourge and crucify Him, and on the third day He will be raised up.”
Jesus was well aware that His ministry was coming to a close and the “leadership,” in the Kingdom dimension, was to be passed to His disciples. He told then that He would die and then be resurrected. Now a crisis of transition was apparent and their being instructed for the transference of authority was of special importance. Why? Because, in the Kingdom Government, the old carnal and human methods of ruling will not be tolerated. It would be VERY offensive to the King if you attempt to lord it over the people out of some misguided sense of entitlement.
Mat 20:20 Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to Him with her sons, bowing down, and making a request of Him. 21 And He said to her, “What do you wish?” She *said to Him, “Command that in Your kingdom these two sons of mine may sit, one on Your right and one on Your left.”
Obviously, if Jesus is going to be killed this is the right time to jockey for position in the Kingdom and try to get the best seats. She reasoned that if one of my sons could sit on your right and the other on the left, that would be the best position! She was looking for a special seat for her sons in the Kingdom of ultimate authority. She was certain that they should share in the Kingdom Government. That is a true desire for the “high calling” and something we would recommend! However, she believed that these positions were filled by carnal appointment and the Gentile style of Government in the Kingdom would be normal. She assumed that this “position” was just a matter of getting first in line. Just command it and my sons shall rule. It is amazing that this “mother’s concept” ( unmerited Grace) of Government is still with us today.
Mat 20: 22 But Jesus answered and said, “You do not know what you are asking for. Are you able to drink the cup that I am about to drink?”
It is NOT too difficult to deduce from this that the requirement to sit in that “high calling” demands much more than being an acquittance or even a disciple of Jesus! It is certainly true that this position is open and someone will certainly sit there. However, lets be clear, You MUST overcome in order to sit in that place. But, first let me explain “overcoming.” You must “overcome” as “I overcame.” You really don’t have any idea of what you are asking for. You must drink the exact same cup that I drink if you want to sit in that place.
They *said to Him, “We are able.” 23 He *said to them, “My cup you shall drink; but to sit on My right and on My left, this is not Mine to give, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared by My Father.”
They acknowledged the high position and of course they thought they understood the cost! They were confident that this was no problem for them! We will be able to drink that cup so NO WORRIES! OK, now that you fully understand the requirement, I will see to it that the cup is available and ready for you. However, the decision of who sits in the high calling in the Kingdom is not My decision but My Father determines all those things. He will weigh how you handle the cup when it comes. Why? He is Absolutely Sovereign over EVERYTHING connected to His Kingdom! He is NOT permitting the Preachers, the song leaders or the TV evangelists or the end time Prophets to determine these things. ( Oh, we will ALL rule.)
Little by little we begin to understand the seriousness of participating in the Kingdom Dimension of Government and the preparation that is essential. Just taking the guitar and charging forward to the Throne Room Door Way would be very dangerous!
Now the proper and “righteous indignation” is demonstrated by the other ten Apostles for the ignorance displayed by these two glory seekers.
Mat 20:24 And hearing this, the ten became indignant with the two brothers.
A “FEW” of the Apostles caught the vision ( 2 out of 12) and were pressing toward the “high calling” but the two were looking for an appointment or a gift position on the Throne. The 10 were not particularly interested in the Throne but they were offended by the arrogance of these two that tried to “scheme their way ahead of their contemporaries and into the Kingdom Government.”
Actually, Jesus was not offended by the request of the two and implied that SOMEONE would receive that position. However, it might be good if you first sit down and calculate the cost (of the cup) to see if you have enough consecration to finish your course! Why? The “qualification” path may be a little more radical than you thought. Beside, it is the Father’s Purpose to bring MANY SONS to that glory and not just two good believers. Now, in these days, we understand that this place will be assigned to a Corporate Group called the Body of the High Priest! In harmony with what Jesus said, the Body of the High Priest must overcome just as our High Priest overcame and sat down at the Right Hand of God.
It may no longer be a surprise that it is in this “vision perspective” that Jesus explains the Central Pattern to the Kingdom Character and how the Government really works. It is because of a lack of this “kingdom perspective” that many “leaders” are shooting themselves in the foot with their assumed “authority” and the arrogance of title and position. In their ignorance they are demonstrating this “other gospel” that is so offensive in the Kingdom dimension of authority! These “leaders” are destroying their opportunity in the Kingdom by acting like Gentile Rulers! Why? They have ignored the requirements and the costs and ignorantly and foolishly declare, “Just relax, it is all by grace, not by works, so no one can boast! The doctrine declares “If we had to EARN the Throne then we would have something to boast about!” “No, It is ALL grace!”
These two words of “EARN” and “QUALIFY” are not interchangeable. Some are intimidated by the word “QUALIFY.” If we labeled this “THE CUP OF QUALIFICATION” it should be clear that the Kingdom seats are not assigned like the ones around the President in Washington. Then is “Pressing for a good seat” wrong? Not at all!
Mat 19:27 Then Peter answered and said to Him, “Behold, we have left everything and followed You; what then will there be for us?”
Mat 19:28 And Jesus said to them, “Truly I say to you, that you who have followed Me, in “the regeneration” when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name’s sake, shall receive many times as much, and shall inherit eternal life. 30 “But many who are first will be last; and the last, first.
Here OUR definition of “regeneration” and “eternal life” must be modified to include the requirements of the throne. The more we understand about the Kingdom the more we hear about the qualifications and requirements for us to participate. It is these “COSTS” that are so offensive to the “everything is free people.” They seem to assume that “EVERYTHING IS BY GRACE AND NOT BY WORKS.” What is free for forgiveness of sins is NOT also free our participation in the Kingdom.
This seems so reasonable and clear in scripture but is rejected by most of the doctrinally and politically correct people. Two grace scriptures can invalidate fifty other Kingdom scriptures because they only see one dimension of eternity which they call “salvation or heaven.”
Conclusion; There will be dominion, thrones, authority, Laws, consequences and “rulers” in eternity but every dominion will be selected from among those who meet or exceed the Kingdom Requirements. EVERYONE who has “dominion” will serve and obey Him. The term “Bondservants” of ALL applies in the Dominion / Authority realm.
Dan 7:14 “And to Him was given dominion, Glory and a kingdom, That all the peoples, nations, and men of every language Might serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion Which will not pass away; And His kingdom is one Which will not be destroyed.
“This earthly authority (lordship) is how they (outsiders) rule but that is NOT how the Kingdom works!” The Kingdom can ONLY receive the “bondservants” into the highest government and its authority! Why? They are totally given to Him to whom the ultimate dominion and authority is given. They also serve as “Bondservants” to all. This Ultimate Kingdom Authority is given to the High Priest and in obedience to Him, by His Body of Sons!
Mat 21:43 “Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you, and be given to a nation producing the fruit of it.
When the Kingdom is ONLY given upon the basis of those who produce the fruit of it, this offence is felt by all those who expect Kingdom entitlements based ONLY upon grace. Maybe these “fundamentalists” can negotiate a plea agreement (bargain) where the Kingdom will be modified to meet their expectation. Of course they may be disappointed by the severity of the Kingdom demands and its unrelenting requirements.
The Word; The Kingdom; The Spirit; And the Church.
Keeping all these above things in balance is the struggle of successfully “serving” in
ministry.” Lording it over the flock is just one danger of “serving.” Holding the vision of eternity and the Ultimate Reality of the Kingdom always before the flock is one of careful balance!
Dan 7; --His dominion is an everlasting dominion Which will not pass away; And His kingdom is one Which will not be destroyed.
Dan 7:27 ‘Then the sovereignty, the dominion, and the greatness of all the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be given to the people of the saints of the Highest One; His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all the dominions will serve and obey Him.’
One of the predominate facts about the Kingdom is that it is NOT BALANCED. It is an Absolute , fixed, non-negotiable, it is predestined and already established in Eternity. It represents the ABSOLUTE DOMINION that begins and ends with God, the Almighty. It neither seeks nor accepts opinions or opposite viewpoints. The Kingdom is unchangeable and unshakable and God has ALREADY set His King upon Mount Zion. Nothing and no amount of prayer can ever change one dot or one tittle in that dimension.
The “balance” we are permitted to bring into the pattern is the balance between the “Absolute” and the “Relative.” The “Absolute” is fixed and the “Relative” is always changing to come into harmony with the “Absolute.” There IS NO Balance where the “Absolute” ever changes to accommodate the “relative.”
The Kingdom is an “Absolute” along with EVERY characteristic of The Most High God. He is UNCHANGEABLE. The Living and Abiding Word of God, who is God, is of the exact same qualities and Absolute Nature as the Kingdom. Why? They exist in the same dimension of God, the Almighty.
The question then arises “How can we bring a balanced message about the Kingdom, the King and His Exclusive Father” in which there is NO equal. Is there, really, a balanced message about the Holy Spirit or is that just another fantasy? There are the Absolute facts about the Holy Spirit and they are FIXED in eternity. Attempting to “modify” His ABSOLUTE position in the church and the Church Age is a fatal mistake!
Therefore, when referring to the Kingdom of God we must create a new definition of “balanced.” We have a dictionary definition that is totally inadequate to include the Kingdom.
balance >noun 1 an even distribution of weight ensuring stability. 2 mental or emotional stability. 3 a condition in which different elements are equal or in the correct proportions. 4 an apparatus for weighing, especially one with a beam and central pivot. 5 a preponderance: the balance of opinion. 6 compare the value of (one thing) with another. 7 establish equal or appropriate proportions of elements.
None of these definitions can include the Kingdom which stands out as totally unique with no equal and with NOTHING that can be compared to that ABSOLUTE. Why? Because EVERYTHING ELSE, and ANYTHING that can be named, is ONLY relative to the Kingdom. EVERYTHING that is relative can only find significance or reality in the degree that it can relate and conform to the Absolute.
Therefore, if I am accused of being “unbalanced” or my “message lacks balance” I must take that as a compliment! If my “message” is always relative to the “ABSOLUTE” then I have reached my goal.
Then, if what I have shared thus far is true, it means that God, The Almighty, (the Father, the Word and the Holy Spirit) is “ABSOLUTE” and we must begin our discourse with Him! In the church dimension, which is relative, The Living and Abiding Word of God, The Holy Spirit that has come to reveal the Word, the Kingdom and His Christ are all “ABSOLUTE” and EVERYTHING ELSE is relative. That means that they are central and EVERYTHING must submit to and revolve around them. Why? The church ONLY has relevance in the Kingdom.
ANYTHING that attempts to stand alongside or be presented as of equal importance then must be condemned. Why? These are the RADICAL ABSOLUTES and everything else must be accepted as just “relative.” W hy is this important?
When the church or gifts or grace or ministry comes to the forefront as of great significance, we must then present the “balance.” None of these things have any significance EXCEPT in the degree they are or can be related to the “Absolutes.”
Since the church is relative, it can ONLY find its significance or validity as it relates to Almighty God and His Kingdom Government. If this “truth” was recognized and practiced it would begin a new trend toward reality in the church dimension. Does that mean this is just another attack upon the church? Not at all. But the irrelevance of the visible church is legendary and is confirmed publically simply by observation and by its testimony. Why? Unless it is integrally linked to the Kingdom, as first priority, it becomes irrelevant.
The “church” is built up by His Life and Obedience to His Government. The Kingdom is already established in its final and eternal dimension. It cannot be modified in any way! God’s Eternal Purpose is for this “Kingdom Government” to be BUILT INTO the people who are Kingdom Seekers. This is established by the Divine Prerogative and is non-negotiable.
It seems that “redemption” is confused with “regeneration.”
redeem >verb 1 make up for the faults or bad aspects of. 2 (redeem oneself) make up for one’s poor past performance or behavior. 3 save from sin, error, or evil. 4 gain or regain possession of in exchange for payment. 6 archaic buy the freedom of. 7 ‘buy back’ or ‘repurchase.’
regenerate >verb 1 regrow (new tissue). 2 bring new and more vigorous life to (an area or institution). 3 (especially in Christian use) give a new and higher spiritual nature to. >adjective reborn, especially in a spiritual or moral sense.
Both these words and concepts are linked to the Kingdom dimension of salvation. To “follow Him in the regeneration” is different from “redemption” but “redemption” seems to precede “regeneration” as we see in this Kingdom / Throne scripture.
Mat 19:28 And Jesus said to them, “Truly I say to you, that you who have followed Me, in “the regeneration” when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name’s sake, shall receive many times as much, and shall inherit eternal life. 30 “But many who are first will be last; and the last, first.
These shall inherit eternal life seems to be linked to you who have followed Me, in “the regeneration.” If this is an eternal fact then “full salvation” is linked to “you who have followed Me, in the regeneration.” We might conclude that in the Kingdom dimension “redemption” precedes “regeneration” but BOTH are essential. If “eternal Life” is linked to these “thrones” we might conclude that the Kingdom dimension of salvation is NOT OPTIONAL to sit upon thrones. V 29 “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name’s sake, shall receive many times as much, and shall inherit eternal life.
When we examine scriptures like these it should be VERY clear that the “say these words after me” kind of salvation falls too far short of the Kingdom dimension. “JUST BELIEVE” seems way too shallow for a Kingdom Salvation! Then why are these things practiced? It is because “basic church salvation” ignores the Kingdom requirements that are linked to a “kingdom salvation.”
V 30 “But many who are first will be last; and the last, first.
Those who set themselves up as “great” or “first” in the “church dimension” will be judged as LAST in the Kingdom dimension. Of course, those who become the bond servants of ALL shall be “FIRST” in the Kingdom dimension. None of this is complicated but this is so different from the Gentile system of “rulers”, that is common in the visible church, that the Kingdom way seems unreasonable and an unworkable plan. Why? The common answer is this; “These believers of mine require a heavy hand or they will certainly go astray!”
Why is this Kingdom way so misrepresented if it is so “simple?” The problem is seen when “salvation” is offered as something outside the Kingdom Government of God. A “Partial Salvation” is offered as the individual answer to sin but is NOT presented as a total way of Life. A “total way of Life” embraces a new direction, a new goal, a new government within, obedience and a Life of preparation for eternity. If we identify a full salvation as “inheriting eternal Life” it will connect with Christianity as “a total way of Life.” Salvation is currently presented as a “doorway” to heaven rather than as a “pathway” to eternity. We might label this “church salvation” as a modified or counterfeit Kingdom Salvation. But isn’t this “Kingdom Salvation” VERY offensive to the casual Christian? Yes, but what can we do about that since the Kingdom IS Absolute and the church and Christianity are just relative?
If the “kingdom” is NOT the total answer to “man’s total need” then it is NOT the Kingdom that Jesus preached. Thank God, sin is covered but what about all the other areas of need that man experiences in the process of fulfilling God’s Eternal Purpose? When the “church” interferes with the Divine plan or the total process involved in the salvation of man, it works against God and reaches far beyond its design or function. Neither the church nor its leaders can save you. This is the exclusive work of God and He uses the Kingdom Government in this process. To leave the Kingdom out of the process will reduce “salvation” to the pitiful experience we see in the visible church today! Substituting “an emasculated gospel of salvation” for the Kingdom Salvation that promises “Inheriting Eternal Life” is a VERY serious mistake. Expecting the casual believer to “inherit the kingdom” by “believing something” is just ignorance! Why? The Kingdom is ONLY given to the saints based upon their bearing the Fruit of the Kingdom! The Kingdom Discipline is integrally linked to “bearing the Fruit of the Kingdom.” Ignoring the Kingdom as a present and personal reality is a VERY serious mistake.
There is a great mystery of why the Kingdom, that is central to the New Covenant, has become nearly irrelevant in the current church system. Now I realize that the church has been identified as synonymous with the Kingdom in doctrines and in hymns. The concept is that if we look at a “church” we are seeing the Kingdom. Then, since the visible church has become irrelevant it follows that the Kingdom is irrelevant also.
However, the Kingdom is NOT related to the church because the Kingdom is Eternal and has existed as the Kingdom of Heaven for all past ages. The church is new and only about 2000 years old in earth time. Therefore, the church must relate to and find its reality in the Kingdom and NOT the other way around. In reality, the church ONLY has significance in the degree that it is functioning within the framework of the Laws, discipline and Government of the Kingdom of God. It is because the church became related to earth and man rather than the Kingdom that it became insignificant. The Kingdom “lost” its power and influence when the “church” began to relate it to the second coming of Jesus Christ. They foolishly declared that the Kingdom would come WITH Christ Jesus but now, at the present time, the Kingdom was insignificant. Why? Like Israel they were only looking for a visible Kingdom and earthly Government.
Act 1:6 And so when they had come together, they were asking Him, saying, “Lord, is it at this time You are restoring the kingdom to Israel?” 7 He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or epochs which the Father has fixed by His own authority;
The Kingdom was NEVER intended to be confined to Israel. This is not a local, religious racial, or a Kingdom that is limited to Israel. This is a government that encompasses every nation, tribe and tongue. Therefore, He said in Mat 24:14 “And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in the whole world for a witness to all the nations, and then the end shall come.
Mat 28:18 And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
Jesus had just spent 40 days with His disciples preaching and teaching about the Kingdom of God so NOW they had the message! Therefore, go to EVERY nation and make disciples of the Kingdom and teach them all the things I taught you. Mark records that Jesus said that when they baptize the believers that the SIGNS would follow ALL those who believe the message.
The message presents a new philosophy that carries with it a new attitude, a new way of Life, a New Character, a new vision, a new goal! This Kingdom is a totally different kind of Government and its authority is contrary to the prevailing systems that the Gentiles use.
These Kingdom Demands and its All Encompassing Government would be so radical that ONLY those who lived within its boundaries could demonstrate and preach its reality out of the Kingdom Life! This Life would be demonstrated within a Restored, Eternal, Spiritual and Heavenly Priesthood after the Order of Melchizedek. The Absolute Head of this Priesthood Is of the exact species as the new creation persons that make up His body! He is the Man, Christ Jesus, who lives and fulfills God charge to first Adam to rule over the earth, but now also the heavens.