Stories in the Missional Journey of Bruce & Deborah Crowe

For Thine is the Kingdom

Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.” John 18:36

Thine.  Funny word.  Recited the Lord’s prayer countless times every morning in public school.  It means “Yours.”  God’s Kingdom belongs to Him.  It shall never fail, it will not be shaken.

Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; Heb 12:28

Jesus is securely seated on His eternal throne.  We as believers serve Him now in this life, and long for the next.  Until that day, we groan with creation ((Rom 8:22), waiting anxiously for his glorious appearing.  Nations will rise, nations will fall, but the believer is not shaken – because their King is not moved.

We are called to pray for our governments, and seek the greatest good of those in authority over us (salvation!).  We are to be peacemakers, and messengers of hope through Jesus Christ.  We practice surrender to the King of the universe, while exemplifying His love, humility, with grateful hearts.  We are promised our actions towards one another will speak volumes, and even confirm the reality of the risen Savior.

Unless we are overtly called up on to reject the true King, or substitute our Christian practice for that of an idolatrous nation or culture, antagonistic or provocative aggression is neither right or fruitful for the believer.  We are seeing glimpses of anarchy on the streets of Kiev, and I struggle with the Christian support of it.

The real revolution, within the context of the Christian worldview, must first take place within the heart.  The real uprooting of evil starts with personal confession.

We all want to see a greater justice in this life.  We can and should stand up for what is right and good.  But we must remember that God is not on the side of any earthly political party.  He is on the side of those that are on His.

We must make it our primary goal in life to grow His political base – through the means prescribed, and empowered by His spirit.   This is not to belittle the importance of public outcry, or discourage those that protest.  Wickedness will continue long after political parties are changed, as long as there are is rebellion in the heart of man.  Wickedness is not driven out by aggression.  The Word of God reveals this, and the history of mankind confirms it.

2 Comments

  1. Jon

    Hey Bruce! We are obviously very concerned and are praying for the safety of all of our friends in Ukraine and what is going on. I often find your perspectives different and challenging – that’s great! I guess I find myself wanting to add into your comments that the majority of the protests have been and are peaceful. And as far as Christian support of the protests go, I admire people like those from Calvary Chapel, Kyiv who are serving food and coffee on the streets to those who can no longer tolerate the often corrupt and oppressive regime. Love to you and your family.

  2. Bruce

    Hi Jon,
    I agree with you. It’s unfortunate that the protests have been highlighted more recently by the aggressive ‘extremest’ taking over administrative buildings, throwing cocktail bombs and taking police hostage. This only deludes the virtues they are trying to challenge, and makes it harder for Christian support – at this Christian:). I’m not a pacifist, I just think something of this nature is not black and white and we must be careful as believers, particular missionaries in our full out support. – Bruce

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