Earthly Kingdom or Kingdom Within

This past Sunday was Palm Sunday. I believe it is a day of great spiritual significance. If we look at the text in Luke 19:28-44 we see what is often called the triumphal entry. It came on the heels of the parable of the minas given to the servants and being called to give an account. He told this parable because His disciples were expecting the kingdom to appear immediately. As often happened with the disciples and myself, it flew right over their heads. As they headed to Jerusalem, the disciples were excited. There had already been a power struggle as they had argued among themselves who would sit at His right and left hand when He came into His kingdom. When Jesus gave them instruction concerning the donkey colt on which He was to ride, it confirmed their expectations. It was prophesied in Zechariah 9:9 that the King would come riding in on a donkey colt. David had Solomon ride his personal mule to Gihon to show the people that Solomon was his successor, not Adonijah. The disciples probably had their chests puffed out, walking with a swagger thinking, "This is it, He's going in to take over and we are going to reign with Him." Little did they realize He was not going in to takeover, He was going in to die.

The crowds gathered, many spread their clothes on the road. The multitude began to rejoice and praise the Lord. They shouted ,"Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord." The Pharisees told Jesus to rebuke them. Jesus replied, "I tell you that if these keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out." I know we've heard songs about not letting a rock out praise us or heard people say," No rock is going to out praise me." but my daughter got a revelation and searched it out. Jesus was saying if these people are silenced, the rocks will cry out in protest. Then as Jesus saw Jerusalem, He began to weep. I'm sure the disciples must have thought He was overcome with joy, but His words were daunting. He declared that the city had missed its time of visitation and prophesied the destruction of Jerusalem which would take place in 70 a.d.

His disciples had been expecting the immediate establishment of His earthly kingdom. As Jesus was interviewed by Pontius Pilate, he told Pilate that His kingdom was not of this world or His servants would fight. Many wars have been fought to preserve, protect, establish, or expand kingdoms, but His kingdom, the kingdom of God would not be established by violence. The kingdom of God would be established on earth by love. It is a spiritual kingdom in the Spirit. For the kingdom of God is not eating or drinking, but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Romans 14:17 In 1 Cor. 4:20 it says ,"For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power. The kingdom of God is not established by the decrees of men; it is established by the power of the Spirit or in the words of the Lord to Zerubbabel, "Not by might nor power, but by My Spirit."

The expectations of this crowd were based on what their eyes could see. The crowd had on at least one occasion sought to make Him king by force. They thought he would deliver them and provide for them. They had only a fleshly perspective not realizing that what He was about to do would bring deliverance to the captives and provide for their spiritual need. Their carnal expectation was not met and it is quite likely that some of these same people would be in a crowd a fews days later shouting something other than His praises. In just a few days, the crowd would be shouting, "Crucify Him."

There was a sense in which there was a war that took place that day on the cross. This was greatest act of spiritual warfare that ever took place when the completely sinless Son of God demonstrated God's love by dying for His enemies.(See Romans 5:1-10) Satan was defeated, principlaities and powers were spoiled, and captivity was led captive. Our certificate of debt was nailed to the tree that we might be freed from captivity. We were reconciled to God through the death of His son and have been made to be ministers of reconciliation. There is so much that was accomplished on that cross that I have not the time to write it nor would you have time to read it. This Sunday we will celebrate His resurrection, but every day we are living in the resurrection power. But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you. Romans 8:11 Sunday is a special day of remembrance and praise, but we celebrate His resurrection every day.

I know a couples of months ago, I said that I would posting these teachings directly on my blogsite and posting a link on facebook. I had a couple of responses which indicated they preferred the e-mails. Also facebook has changed its format again and you may or may not know I have posted anything so I am resuming the e-mails. I know some of you may not have signed up for these teachings and may not want to receive them; if that is the case just respond to this e-mail expressing your desire to unsubscribe. I thank the Lord for each one of you and appreciate so much your prayers and encouragement. As always if you have a prayer need I would be honored to pray for you. May God bless you exceedingly.

In His love,

Herb Dean