Daily Encouragementنموونە

“My kingdom is not of this world” - the truth of this word of Jesus, spoken as he stood before Pilate, is seen very clearly when we contrast his kingdom with other kingdoms.

They are of this world; his kingdom is of heaven, of God. “My kingdom is not founded on all this” is how one translation puts it.

They have to be defended; his kingdom is invincible. There is a warfare involved, but it is not fought with earthly weapons and the issue is not in doubt (2 Cor. 10:3-4).

They are full of words; his kingdom is full of power. “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power” (1 Cor. 4:20). Think of the words of a Nebuchadnezzar or of a Hitler or modern-day politicians!

They are material; his kingdom is spiritual. “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking food and drink but of righteousness and peace and joy in the “Holy Spirit” (Rom. 14:7).

They are temporal; his kingdom is eternal. They are of the world which is passing away (1 John 2:17); of his “eternal kingdom . . . there shall be no end” (2 Pet. 1:11; Luke 1:33).

Their kings are mortal; this King is immortal - “the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only God” (1 Tim. 1:17).

My kingdom is not of this world . . . ”