Kingship is a central theme in the Bible. God originally made Adam his steward in the world, a role that became increasingly difficult after the Fall. This is why Jesus came as the New Adam, to restore the kingdom of God in the world. The Book of Revelation will show the final victory of the kingdom of God over all its enemies, leading to an everlasting reign of peace and happiness.
Even before the coming of Christ, God himself became king of the people of Israel, but the people clamored for a king of their own and were warned that this king would take advantage of them. Samuel anointed Saul as the first king of Israel. Through his disobedience, he [Saul?] lost the kingship to David, a man after God’s own heart. David became the greatest of Israel’s kings, leading his people to victory over their enemies and founding a capital in Jerusalem, where the temple would be built. Even David, however, fell into serious sin, committing adultery and murder, and then commanding a census against God’s wishes.
It’s become a summer tradition at Exodus90 to focus on kingship as a model of stewardship and vigilance within God’s kingdom. After looking at David’s life for the last few years, we now turn to his legacy in his son Solomon and the divided kingdom of Israel in Judah. Most of the kings following David fell into earthly ambition and idolatry. Faithful kings, however, continue to turn the people back to the Lord, to remember the Law, and to pull down idols.
When we follow God’s will before all else, we experience unity and peace. The unfaithful kings of Israel and Judah manifest the consequences of poor stewardship. They were entrusted rule on behalf of God, but thought only of immediate benefits and threats, failing to trust in God’s protection of his people.
The biblical understanding of kingship as stewardship provides an important model for Christian men. We have also been given authority by God to lead our families and to order things well in our work and service. There are many temptations that distract us and lead us into selfishness, and we must do battle against them.
The Return of the King challenge, led by Joseph Pearce throughout the month of June, will guide us through the book of 1 Kings. We will meditate on the power of virtue and vice to either build up God’s kingdom or to lead us astray. We will seek to use the leisure of summertime well by filling our imaginations with what is true, good, and beautiful. To do this, we are turning to the imaginative vision of J.R.R. Tolkien and are building a habit of leisure by reading ten pages a day.
As we wait for the return of Christ, the true king, we seek to become stewards of his rule and to order all things well.
