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Teaching And Research By: M. E. Arbaugh
Better than the Blood
of
Bulls and Goats
FROM THE DESERT TO THE
CROSS
WHAT GOOD KINGS DO
LESSON SEVEN
It was said of David, he was a man after God's own heart. God promised David a kingdom that would endure forever, and yet that did not appear (to the natural eye) to be true. The kingdom passed to his son Solomon, then to grandson Reaboam, at this time the kingdom was divided. Only Judah and Benjamin remained under the line of David. After Reaboam the nation passed through a series of kings and then into dispersion. Did God lie to David? at one time the people thought it was possible.
Psalms 89:38-44 "But You have cast off and abhorred, you have been angry with your anointed. You have made void the covenant of your servant: You have soiled his crown by casting it to the ground. You have broken down all his hedges; and brought his strong holds to ruin. All that pass by his way spoil him: he is a reproach to his neighbors. You have set up the right hand of his enemies; they all rejoice. You have also dulled the edge of his sword, and have not sustained him in battle. You have made his glory cease, and cast his throne down to the ground".
They did not understand that God's word transcends what you can see with your eyes. Many years later there were men who understood that Jesus was the son of David whose throne would endure forever. Does God keep His covenants? Yes. Does He do it according to our plans and timetable? No. It seems God is never in a hurry, and yet the help we need always arrives just when we need it.
When thinking of kings it is a natural step to consider what it was that made King David the sort of man God said was a man after His own heart. So I started a bit of research on what was expected of a king.
The first thing that came to my attention was, the power of the king was delegated to him first by God and second by the people. The king was first of all subject to Jehovah and the instructions relayed to him through the prophets of God. Next, it became apparent the king was to be Jehovah's servant and His earthly representative. In regard to his kingship, the Word demands that his heart not be lifted up above his brothers.
Deuteronomy 17:20 "That his heart be not lifted up above his brethren, and that he turn not aside from the commandment, to the right hand, or to the left: to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he, and his children, in the midst of Israel."
He was to honor the people of his kingdom as the Lord's people. His major duty was to defend the people against all enemies. He was to raise a standing army and be leader of that army. The king was also a judge. He was expected to be just and fair and make the final decision in all disputes. Disputes which could not be settled in any other manner, were brought to him. He heard the case, he decided, he declared and the argument was settled.
He officiated at national sacrifices, he prayed for and blessed the people in the name of Jehovah. The priesthood was under his supervision and he was responsible for its purity and the maintenance and order of worship. The king was called Jehovah's anointed and bore the label of first born son. On some occasions the king also filled the office of prophet.
All scripture has a literal application, in that it either happened or is going to happen. It also has a spiritual application and a practical application. The things mentioned above actually happened, that's literal application.
Now we are going to look at the spiritual and practical application.
The new Testament tells us we are called to be prophets, priests and kings of our kingdoms. Oh Yeah! and exactly where is this kingdom I am supposed to be king of? It's our lives, it's where we live, it's our turf. The next question that arises is how does one become a king after God's own heart?
The original step is to submit ourselves to God. When we submit to His authority, He will delegate authority to us. We must have a new heart. One that has been cleansed and made new by the blood of the Lamb. Every great move of God in our lives will start with repentance. When we are forgiven, we must then forgive. Men, the first one on your list must be your father. You must by an act of your will forgive him for every failure, real or imagined, near or far past. Every broken promise, every unjust punishment. How he treated your Mother, relatives, other folks, animals, whatever. You must let go of the past, if you are to have a future as a king after God's own heart. In Timothy we are told God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind. Notice that power is balanced by love and a sound mind. When you forgive someone you are showing love and compassion to them. Compassion makes you feel like God feels and God always feels like doing something good.
In Matthew 18:23-35 there is the story of the man who could not pay a huge debt and was forgiven. But this man did not then forgive the debt of another and had him thrown into prison. As a result the king turned him over to the jailers and the torturers. When we do not forgive, there will be two people in jail. You and the one you do not forgive. You can not rule your kingdom if you are in prison. Make a decision to forgive, then act on that decision.
Accept the responsibility for ruling. When Saul was to be crowned, they had to hunt for him. He was hiding among the baggage. That should have been a good clue as to what kind of king he would make. You will never be a king who is honored of God and your subjects unless you accept the responsibility for ruling.
You must submit yourself to the authority of the Lord Jesus and look to Him for your example. What has He done for you?
King when you look at Him, you see first of all, He is your Lord. He is not a Lord who sits on the throne and says to you, slave, bow and scrape before me. He is a servant king. Jesus did not hesitate to wash dirty feet. He poured out His life in agape love for all. Paul said husbands are to do the same for their wives.
Jesus was thoughtful, not self centered. If you think first and only of what you want, you are not God centered, you are self centered.
King, when you look at Jesus, you will see He is your faithful priest. He is the mediator between you and the Father. King, you are to be priest of your kingdom the one who leads your family in prayer and worship. You are to raise up a standing army (your family) to lead against the enemy (Satan). How can you raise up a army to follow you into battle against the enemy if you do not direct them in study, prayer and praise.
King, when you look at Him, you will see He is not dull. He is always doing some little thing that gives you joy. Why don't you make a phone call, just to say, "I wanted to hear your sweet voice." Send your wife a card in the mail as a surprise. Tell her you think she is the most gorgeous, wonderful lady in the whole world. Once in a while plan an outing you know will please her, even if you don't particularly enjoy that activity.
King, when you look at Jesus, notice He calls those things which be not as though they already were. You are in the process of becoming what He calls you victor, over comer, king, priest, prophet. Tell your family and everyone else, they are handsome, beautiful, smart, healthy. Do not, join in when others label wives and families as a millstone around the neck, even as a joke.
What you say is what you get. Instead, say not me, I'm blessed with the best. I wouldn't want to be without them. They are a joy and a delight to me. What if that isn't evident? It's your kingdom, if there is something out of order in it, it is your job to set it right. Aim your tongue at the problem, be like Jesus, use faith filled words to create what you desire.
King, when you look at Jesus, notice He is your protector. When you call on Him for help, He runs to your aid. He doesn't say, you got into this by yourself (even if you did) so get out of it by yourself. You are to keep and guard your kingdom and the people in your kingdom. Sometimes protection is not just keeping out intruders. Some years ago, there was something in our shop building that my husband mentioned he needed. I volunteered to go. My husband replied, that he didn't want me to walk through the grass until we had a frost hard enough to kill the ticks. A small thing, but because he knows I have a strong reaction to insect bites, he protects me. Protection can mean carrying the sleeping child. Protection can mean shielding your wife from difficult people. Take the initiative, instead of waiting to be begged.
King, when you look at Jesus, notice He is your provider. All that belongs to Him, belongs to you. You have a covenant relationship with your family, all you have belongs to them. Much or little, you are in this together. It, whatever it is, belongs to all of you. None of this, I'll handle this and dole it out a little at a time, a dab here and there. You may have thought if she knows it's there, she will take advantage. God your Father and Jesus your elder brother lay it all out before you. They say come and dine, if they can take a chance on you and trust you, then you ought to trust your mate.
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King, when you look at Jesus, notice He is your security. Not once has He ever said to you, maybe you'll make it and maybe you won't. He spells it out clearly, I love you, I will never leave you, nor forsake you. It is possible for you to leave Him, but He won't leave you. He has made that commitment and He makes it clear to you. I have heard men say, you have to keep them guessing or they get uppity. Did Jesus ever say that to you? A young man, who was having serious marriage problems, once told me that before he was married, he would have done anything for his wife to be. Then after they were married, and I quote, "I shot her out of the saddle. I let her know that I could take her or leave her." Maybe you have never actually said that, but have you implied it by your actions? Would Jesus do that to you? He lets you know in hundreds of ways, you are important to Him.
A king that is a king after God's own heart, lives a happy life. He has the attitude of a servant, willing to pour out agape love upon his subjects. His subjects will respond to that love. A king that is a king after God's own heart, must know who he is, must have a sound mind, must speak good words and do good works. He will look like a king, wearing the royal mantle of the Holy Spirit, clothed in a garment of praise and the full armor of God. All of this will come as the result of submitting to God and His word. Power must be balanced with love and a sound mind. Purity, prayer, and praise must surround power.
Men, do you want to be a king after God's own heart? Would you be pleased to have your family honor you as the anointed of God? Are you serious about it? Then pray this prayer. Father in heaven, I come to you and ask forgiveness for my past attitudes and actions that have been contrary to your will. I forgive my father and mother for any real or imagined failures. I let go of the past so I may have a future. In the name of Jesus, I bind all of the negative words I have spoken. I commit myself to the duties of kingship and gladly accept the responsibility. Thank you Father for your Holy Spirit who teaches me. I will heed His instructions. I decide and decree I will be a king after your own heart in the name of Jesus, Amen.
Ladies, you are called to be a helpmeet to your redeemed king. The word says you are to pray for those in positions of authority so you may lead a peaceable life. You are to have a ministry of prayer for your king, not a ministry of criticism. When your king comes and says, "I think we should do this or that," You are not to say, "I think that is the dumbest thing I have ever heard." Don't belittle your man. The proper response is a soft answer, asking if he has considered some particular aspect of the situation and how it would affect the decision. Use Godly wisdom, be wise as a serpent and gentle as a dove. There is power in your mouth, use it to create good. Your position is one of suggestion, advice and support. Your part of the covenant is to minister to your king's physical and emotional needs even as the Lord ministers to you. You are to respond to his love.
As God's covenant woman you are a woman who brings order to your world. God is not a God of confusion but of order. You stand in your kings place when he is not with you. That means you are not to postpone discipline of the children, until the king returns. That means you behave in a manner that will bring honor to the one you represent. The word clearly tells us to honor, esteem, admire, praise, be devoted to, deeply love and enjoy our husbands.
Are you serious about this? Every great move of God begins with repentance. Pray this prayer. Father, forgive me for past attitudes and actions that have been contrary to your perfect will. I forgive my father and mother for any real or imagined failure. I let go of the past, so I may have a future as co-ruler of my kingdom. I declare that I will be a woman after God's own heart. I will honor, esteem, admire, praise, be devoted to, deeply love and enjoy my husband. I Thank you in Jesus name. Amen.
This is a day of new beginning, you are going to allow God's miracle power
to operate in your kingdom. He will establish your kingdom upon a very solid
foundation.
Next: LESSON EIGHT
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Teaching And Research By: M. E. Arbaugh
Last Update: Thursday,
January1, 2009
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