The Kingdoms Of The World

Read: Luke 4:1-13

Then the devil took him up and revealed to him all the Kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. “I will give you the glory of these Kingdoms and authority over them,” the devil said, “because they are mine to give to anyone I please.” Luke 4:5-6

IN WORD

Apparently the kingdoms of this world belong to the devil. During the Temptation, that claim came straight from the evil one’s mouth, and the true King didn’t contradict him. Other places in Scripture affirm this claim, calling Satan “the god of this world” (2 Corinthians 4:4) and declaring that friendship with the world equals enmity toward God (James 4:4). Even Jesus called him the prince or ruler of this world (John 14:30). Clearly the kingdoms of this world are not part of the Kingdom of Christ.

But they will be. The kingdoms of this world will become the Kingdom of our Lord, and He will reign forever and ever (Revelation 11:15). The question isn’t whether the kingdoms of earth ultimately belong to Jesus. The questions are how and when. And the more relevant question for us in this age is whether the status quo is acceptable. When Scripture declares Satan’s current influence, should we simply accept it? Or is God’s Word urging us to do something about it?

Millions of Christians, having seen the influence of evil in places like Wall Street, Hollywood, and the capital cities of the world, have declared them “of the devil” and walked away from them. But perhaps they are “of the devil” because we’ve abandoned them to him. Maybe we are called to have influence in those places that supersedes the influences already there. Perhaps the salt, the leaven, the mustard seed of the Kingdom is meant to season, expand, and grow up in the places that will eventually become the Kingdom of Christ anyway. Perhaps we’re neglecting our calling.

IN DEED

Jesus told His followers to go into all the world. That doesn’t mean just remote jungles; it means any territory held captive by evil. Take up your mission to plunder evil, wherever you are. You are guaranteed ultimate victory.

ADDITIONAL READING: Revelation 11:15

Some like to live within the sound of church or chapel bell. I’d rather run a rescue shop within a yard of hell.

WILLIAM BOOTH