None of us have grown up in a kingdom. So when Scripture speaks, as it often does in the gospels, of the “Kingdom of God” it may seem a bit foreign to us. But yet we are not totally unfamiliar with the idea. Thousands of people have tuned in to watch the popular television series, “Game of Thrones” and can’t wait for season eight to be released in April. I haven’t watched any of it, but I do know that it is about seven kingdoms vying for the chance to rule from the Iron Throne.
When Jesus speaks of the Kingdom of God in the gospels he is speaking about God’s rule from the throne of heaven. In Matthew 6 he encourages us not to seek an Iron Throne but to seek God’s rule in our lives. He says, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you.” The primary goal that we are to have is to seek God’s rule in our lives. Seek first the government of God, Jesus says.
To do this requires a total revolution in our thinking. Again, I know that when I start talking about God as king – it is lost on us because we have a modern picture of kingship. The kings and queens of our age are often simply figure heads. In our country of Canada the Queen of England is the head of our Government, but she’s just a figure head. She and her family are there for the openings and galas. We open a new cancer wing in the hospital and the queen shows up to cut the ribbon. We have a have a celebration in our nation and a prince may come to start the fireworks and view the military guard.
In our modern age, the Queen or King are there for the frivolous ceremonies, while the real work is done by the Prime Minister. The Prime Minister is the one who makes all the decisions. He or she decides the direction of the country and how the finances are spent. The Queen is there, but only as a figure head.
So, many Christians come on Sunday morning and sing “Crown him with many crowns” and declare God as King. That’s a good thing. The problem is that many of us say in our heart “God may be King, but I am the Prime Minister.” God is seen as the one we call on when we are in trouble or need something special, but we remain in control and make all the vital decisions.
We need a revolution in our hearts. We need a change of government in our lives. Jesus says put the government of God, the rule of God, first in your life. In my mind the emphasis is on that word, “First”. The rule of God, must be first, not second, or third or fourth. “Seek first the kingdom of God”.
Before you tune in to Game of Thrones this season make sure that the throne of God is firmly established in your heart. Step down as Prime Minister and allow God his rightful rule in your life.
With thanksgiving for you, Pastor Tom.