how great the kingdom of God

The psalms this morning described the beautiful and restorative elements of God's rule. This rule was expressed apparently through an earthly king who feared the Lord, loved righteousness, and hated wickedness. Those given to marriage to this king were blessed for he reflected God's rule of justice and favor. Even though God rules as totalitarian over all the earth, he is not harsh in his ruling. The story of David reflected this truth. David, no doubt, reflected the ruling of God over the people. Yet Nabal rejected the rule when it required something from him. He acted as if he ruled over himself. The passage pictured him as a fool. Then we get to the story of Paul. Those he proclaimed the gospel to wanted to make him into a God. Again, man wanted to rule over himself. Yet Paul urged them to walk away from the vain things of walking their own way and follow the Lord, submitting to him. Then the parables. The kingdom of God is expanding through his followers spreading the seeds: reflecting the restorative and beautiful elements of God's rule. Although God rules in totality, his kindness leads people to submit to his rule. Don't be a fool who rejects the Lord's rule; his kingdom is great. Rather, spread the seed of his rule by reflecting his restorative desires for his people.

Lord, how great is your kingdom. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of it. Everything else I seek in my life pales in comparison to the value of your kingdom and its mission.