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HOUSMAIL HM020 3 March 1999 RULING THE KINGDOM WITH A ROD OF IRON Several
references in both the Old and New Testaments refer to Jesus as ruling with a
rod of iron. (Psalm 2:9, Revelation 2:27, Revelation 12:5, Revelation
19:15) From
time to time, I have encountered preachers whose concept of the kingdom
"rod of iron" is somewhat akin to a STEEL BASEBALL BAT! (used to
"batter" the subjects of the Kingdom into submission and obedience
by military force!) But
how could that be true? It would seem to be totally out of character with the
Christ who reveals Himself in the Gospels. And it is certainly NOT what His
disciples are currently being trained to do! "You know that those who are supposed to
rule over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great men exercise
authority over them. BUT IT SHALL NOT BE SO AMONG YOU; but whoever would be
great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you
must be slave of all. For the Son of man also came not to be served but to
serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:42-45) The
King who reveals Himself in the Gospel, has only one means of
"enforcing" His rulership. "IF YOU LOVE ME ..... YOU WILL KEEP MY
COMMANDMENTS". (John 14:15) Love
for Jesus is THE force by which the saints are encouraged to overcome the
world. It has a restraining power, and it is a binding force, far stronger
than anything this present world has ever seen in other rulers. Can
this LOVE be the "rod of iron" by which Jesus maintains His
authority in the Kingdom? How
wonderful is the GOOD NEWS which offers us a place in a Kingdom where
EVERYONE knows this and holds it firmly as a law written in their minds and
hearts! (Hebrews 8:10-11) Allon |