Government Shutdown

With the recent government shutdown the public outcry has been very negative to say the least. Before this author goes any further, let him assure you that this is not intended to point the finger of blame to any certain political party or figure. Instead, it is an appeal to a kingdom greater than any which is upon the face of the earth. Yes, Americans have been blessed in a number of ways by their Creator. Those blessings pale in comparison to the blessings which are available to those who are part of God’s everlasting kingdom.

Remember, His kingdom is not of this earth. “Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.” (John 18:36).

It is an eternal kingdom. Remember the picture of the kingdom given in the book of Daniel of this kingdom. While the statue, which represented kingdoms which all have come and gone, was destroyed the stone which struck the killing blow became a great mountain which filled the earth (Daniel 2:31-35). Daniel told Nebuchadnezzar the rock was “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.” (Dan 2:44-45). Incidentally, it hasn’t shut down since its inception which was around A.D. 33 (Matt. 16:18; Acts 2:47).

This kingdom’s leadership truly cares about His people. One of the cries which has been given is that the government does not care for what is in the best interest of the people but those who are in power. Christ, the leader of this kingdom, is not like that (Eph. 1:20-23). He willingly lost His life so that those who are obedient to Him may have eternal life. (John 3:16; Heb. 5:9).

How can one place his citizenship in this great kingdom? Know that it is possible to do so. Writing to those of Colossae Paul spoke of God as He “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son” (Col. 1:13). It is also in this kingdom where redemption and forgiveness of sins is located (Col. 1:14). Obey the gospel of Christ and be added to the kingdom today! (Acts 2:38, 47).