S1E16: Epoch 3 - Kings and Kingdoms - 1

The concept of Kingship is woven throughout the GodStory. It begins with our Creator's dominion over all, carries through His genesis of principalities and powers and angels, then all the creatures of the earth, and finally: the sons and daughters of Adam and Eve. Part of this story is the account of the Kings of Israel and Judah: God's chosen people.

In the midst of this conversation are many kings and kingdoms, but the kingdom of David is central to the purpose in God, as He redeems the lost sons of Adam through His second Adam: Jesus. In this segment we will consider the three kings of Israel's united kingdom: Saul, David, and Solomon. In 1st Samuel we read about Samuel (the final judge of Israel) as well as king Saul. Saul had no heart for God, even though he was anointed by God to lead Israel. King David, who had a whole heart toward God, exhibits a different kind of reign than his predecessor, as he kills a giant and is pursued by king Saul. Solomon has a half-heart. He is conflicted over his great wisdom and ultimate failure of heart.

In 1st Samuel we read of the People's King, Saul. We see his rise, his decline, and his fall. He is a study in the power of appearances. 2nd Samuel leads us through king David's success, his shame, and his song. While Saul was all about appearances, David was focused on a principled heart, which evidences as we consider the Psalms.

When all is said and done, the true King returns to reign over the earth. This is the story of the book of Revelation. From Israel's kings we understand the failure of human sovereignty, but also learn of the promise of a descendant who will come from David's bloodline, and will be established as ultimate King over everyone and everything. Many of these kingdom principles prepare us for launch of the spiritual Kingdom through Jesus when He says, "turn away and turn toward, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand." (Matthew 4:17) Did you know that Jesus mentions the church only three times in the Gospels, but He speaks of the Kingdom over 100 times?!

As we consider these kings in the first of this 2-part episode, we glean principles of earthly and ultimate kingship. The story of king Nebuchadnezzar from Daniel 4 is breathtaking and instructive concerning the dominion of earthly kings.

We love how these accounts build insight and faith into the lives of human kings as well as the King of Kings!
Dave and Burnadette

Kingdom Winds
A Book About A King
A Kingdom Song: Weeping Prophet Blues