As the U.K. celebrates the coronation of its 62nd King, King Charles III, I am reminded of how our heavenly King starkly differs from earthly kings.
The institution of kingship, or monarchy, has existed in various forms throughout human history and across different cultures.
Before Saul Israel had no king, however, all the nations around them had kings. The Israelites had been ruled by judges. Being influenced by what they saw around them, they asked the prophet Samuel to appoint a king to rule over them like the other nations. Saul, from the tribe of Benjamin, was chosen and anointed by Samuel as the first king. He reigned for around 40 years, but his reign was marked by disobedience to God and eventually, he was rejected as king. He was succeeded by David, who became the greatest king of Israel and was known for his faithfulness to God.
There are several significant differences between a Godly kingdom and an earthly kingdom such as:
Source of authority: In a Godly kingdom, the ultimate source of authority is God.
Purpose: The purpose of a Godly kingdom is to glorify God and serve His will. In an earthly kingdom, the focus is often on material wealth, power and self-interest.
Values: A Godly kingdom values attributes like love, justice, mercy, and forgiveness. An earthly kingdom may also value these attributes, but the emphasis is often on things like strength, wealth and power.
Eternal vs. Temporal: An earthly kingdom is inherently temporal and subject to the limitations of time and space and the affairs of this life. It exists within a specific historical context and can rise or fall. In contrast, a Godly kingdom is often perceived as eternal and transcendent, extending beyond the confines of the physical world. It is believed to have a lasting impact on the spiritual realm and an enduring significance beyond human history.
Overall, the differences between a Godly kingdom and an earthly kingdom are distinct in nature, purpose and the principles they operate upon.
The Good News is that Jesus is our King and His kingdom has nothing to do with a geographical location.
There will come a time, however, when His kingdom will be revealed. “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.”(Revelation 11:15)
Anne-Marie Francis
