Exactly two months after the Israelites left Egypt, they arrived in the wilderness of Sinai. After breaking camp at Rephidim, they came to the wilderness of Sinai and set up camp there at the base of Mount Sinai. Then Moses climbed the mountain to appear before God. The Lord called to him from the mountain and said, “Give these instructions to the family of Jacob; announce it to the descendants of Israel: ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me. And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.’ This is the message you must give to the people of Israel.” [Exodus 19.1-6]
No, teaching about God's Kingdom was not a new thing with Jesus!
As chronology goes, this event followed Moses' father-in-law's visit where he encouraged Moses to include the people in the governing business of Israel.
Delegation is very much a Kingdom principle. We must understand that God has indeed delegated authority to accomplish His will in the earth. If we see nothing else in the life of Moses, we must see and acknowledge this. Moses understood his authority. Moses understood his responsibility. Both were from God.
Fast forward to Jesus' teaching about prayer in Matthew 6.
As representatives of God's Kingdom, we have specific instructions for how to pray. We are told to pray specifically for God's Kingdom to come. We are told to pray specifically for God's will to be done. We are even given the parameters of God's will - as it is in heaven.
Jesus didn't just come up with a 'good prayer' that would be easy to memorize and quote for thousands of years. Think! Everything Jesus did on earth had to do with the Kingdom of God. The prayer He taught us to pray was a delegation of authority if it was anything!
Jesus was very clear that He performed on earth what He saw His Father doing in heaven. He was no 'Lone Ranger' as some would be inclined to think. He was establishing God's Kingdom on earth as He saw it in heaven. He had been delegated the task of establishing not only this Kingdom, but further delegating others to delegate others... to operate in that Kingdom authority!
And, to top it all off, the crowning evidence of this Kingdom authority was not found in receiving, but in giving. This is where much Kingdom teaching today falls woefully short of its original intended purpose.
If we look closely at Israel's downfall, this self-centeredness was at the core of their problems. They continually looked to God for what they could get without ever realizing all that they had.
Father, help us to comprehend the authority that Jesus delegated to us. Help us be faithful stewards of that authority. Help us be dedicated ambassadors of Your Kingdom. Help us be willing servants and representatives of Your will on earth as it is in heaven.
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