BRINGING BACK THE KING - THE GLORIOUS REIGN OF THE KING
The nineteenth chapter of 2nd Samuel tells a story of the aftermath of the end of Absalom’s rebellion against his father, David. David was the legitimate king of Israel. His choice and ordination were of the Lord. And he did everything to justify his position as the head of the people.
He fought their wars effectively, subdued their enemies before them, enlarged their borders, and caused their fear to come upon all their neighbours in so much that they paid tributes to Israel. Within the rank and file of the people, David set everything in order, and, under God judged the people, settling their internal squabbles. All the people saw and recognized the wisdom, influence, and authority of David as their king. They willingly submitted to it, and enjoyed secure borders. Yes, all was well with them under David’s rulership.
In this we see God as the King ruling over the church, Jesus Christ as the agent through which the church was brought into existence, and the Holy Spirit as the administrative officer by whom the affairs of the church are administered.
That the early church recognized this fact is borne witness to in various ways. In the first sermon ever preached by the church, Peter declared, “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made that same Jesus, whom ye have crucified, both Lord and Christ” Acts 2:36. When their lives were threatened they did not go to fight back on their own. They reported back to the king. Acts 4:23-31. They sought God’s guidance in their choice of leaders. Acts 1:24-26. They accepted God as the final authority in all things, His judgments are always correct. Acts 11:1-18. They obeyed His commands without question. (Acts 10:9-23; 13:1-3)
As long as the church recognized and wholly submitted to the kingship of God, all went well with her. God manifested His glory in the church through miracles, signs and wonders. (Mk. 16:20; Acts 2:43; 3:1-14; 5:12, 15,16).
He fought her wars, expanded her borders, and caused her dread to come upon all, including those in authority. The Lord as the king judged the church and settled disputes among the brethren. Yes, all went well, with God ruling over the church.
Image credited to Google Search