Not of this World
“My Kingdom is not of this world”
John 18:36
Born to reign in us forever,
Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.
By Thine own eternal Spirit,
Rule in all our hearts alone…
Today we study a Carol of Charles Wesley named “Come Thou long expected Jesus”. It is a rich hymn that begins with a plea (“Come”) and repeatedly stresses the reason why He came and why he will return- “To establish His rule.”
A few weeks ago we studied Jesus’ confession before Pontius Pilate. In that confession Jesus stated that His Kingdom is not of this world.
This does not mean that His kingdom will never come to this world- it simply points to the reality that His kingdom does not originate in this world.
The Kingdoms of this age are characterized by the taint of original sin. They do Satan’s bidding and are under his sway.
Satan once tempted Jesus by showing him all the kingdoms of this earth. Satan then stated- “Bow down to me and I will give them to you- for they are mine to give.” When Satan made this statement, Jesus did not refute it. He simply rebuked Satan for seeking worship by quoting Scripture: “You shall worship the Lord God and Him only shall you serve.”
This does not mean that Satan has sovereign control over the nations of men- no he is under the direct command of God. However, it does reinforce the reality that Satan is “the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience.”
The rule of Jesus in this present age is in our hearts, and as Wesley states: He desires to rule in our hearts alone. No rivals. It is the rule of His Spirit over all our inclinations, desires, and actions.
It is the reason for which He came.
To set us free from sins and fears. To rule as Lord in our everyday lives.
As we join with Wesley in expressing this desire, we are seeking His Spirit to come and rule in this way. We are also expressing a desire for Him to “come again” to receive us to Himself, that where He is we may be also.
This expectation and desire is expressed in the Biblical word “Maranatha!”, “come!”.
So come Thou long expected Jesus- come to set thy people free. Maranatha!
Because of grace,
Tim
Listen to the related message below.
