​Day 180 – June 29, 2021

​Day 180 – June 29, 2021
Scriptures: 2 Kings 10, Mark 10
 
We continue our Kings reading alongside of the gospel of Mark. We see a clear juxtaposition between two types of kingdoms. The kingdoms of the world or the Kingdom of God. And as much as Israel was supposed to be a different sort of kingdom, one that stood apart from the rest of the kingdoms of the world, it really doesn’t. It’s distinguishing mark of loyalty and fealty toward the Lord God, it simply doesn’t. Because of Baal Worship and so much more, there is such blatant deviation from God’s will that it is wreaking havoc on the Israelites identity. It has lost its way.
 
Jesus compares the failed kingdoms of the world with a different sort of leadership and way. One built not on the wielding of power but laying the power down. The Kingdom of God is a kingdom that is rooted and established in humility, not might. Jesus, the King of that Kingdom, has come to serve, not to be served.
 
He offers us his life, to give us life in his kingdom.
 
The Kingdoms that have come before it, rise and fall through the taking of life. Setting apart new regimes by use of force. We see that all over the pages of Kings, particularly in 2 Kings 10.
 
But Jesus’ kingdom comes, a new regime is set in place, by absorbing the forces of evil, the darkness, and overcoming it through the cross and the light of the resurrection. Jesus overcomes. Jesus is greater.
 
The way up, is down, in the kingdom of God.
 
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
 
Jordan