Christ's Kingdom
Feb 10, 2010
I need to hear this daily: My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm (John 18.36).
This was Jesus' response to Pilate when Pilate asked Him, What have You done (18.35)? Jesus is not of this world. He is of the Kingdom of Heaven. As His followers we are as well. Jesus said in His prayer to the Father, They are not of this world, even as I am not of this world (John 17.16). Those who have repented and trusted in Christ are of the Kingdom of Heaven. Like our Savior, we are not of this world.
So, what does that mean according to what Jesus says to Pilate? Don't fight. The apostle Paul says, For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places (Ephesians 6.12). This is why Jesus prays to the Father, I do not ask You to take them out of the world, but to keep them from the evil one (John 17.15).
So, pulling a sword out and cutting an ear off a soldier, like Peter did is not the answer. Slapping someone after they slapped you is not the answer. In fact, Jesus says in such a case to turn the other cheek. So, this kingdom has on its throne a King that was handed over. He was handed over in great love by the Father to earth. He was handed over to His own, the Jews. He was handed over to death, but this King's kingdom is heavenly. This earth and it's garden grave could not hold Him. The constraints of flesh could not hold Him. He is not of this world. He conquered sin, death and the enemy through the victorious cross. He was handed over so He could win the ultimate fight in conquering the evil forces in the heavenly realm. He did it! Praise God He did it.
Now as the apostle Paul tells us He sits at the right hand of God with all supremacy and with the name above all names, Lord (Philippians 2.11). Oh, confess that today. Live for the Lord of Heaven and Earth. Live not for this world, but live now for the world to come.
Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6.10).
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