“Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” Matthew 19:28
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What should we expect in this age of regeneration, when Jesus is ruling at the right hand of God? What does He hold out for us as great expectations for all who have left everything to follow Him? He promises that we will rule with Him and like Him. Which is to say, He promises us the great and glorious privilege of judging the people of God according to His Word.
Now those who were judges in Israel served the people of God primarily by the ministry of the Word. Judges were appointed in every city among the tribes of Israel, and their responsibility was to instruct, guide, protect, and oversee their community according to the Law of God. These judges, like Ezra (Ezra 7:10), devoted themselves to daily reading, study, and discussion of the Word of God, laboring to understand the Scriptures and to make certain their own lives were in line with the will of God. Then they would join together in the gates of the city to teach and apply the Scriptures to the lives of the people. The story of Ruth and Boaz, in Ruth 4, is a perfect example of this system at work. The judges gathered – men of reputation and sound Scriptural learning – so that they could interpret the Word of God and apply it to a particular situation, with the result that the blessings of God abounded to all.
Thus by the work of the judges, their ministries of the Word of God, love for God and neighbor would obtain and prevail in all the cities of Israel.
This is what Jesus is calling His followers to do here and now. We are co-regents with Him, all of us who have left everything to follow Jesus. We sit on thrones with Him, metaphorically speaking, and we have been appointed to serve as teachers, enablers, and helpers of others according to the counsel and instruction of His Word. But we need to work hard at fulfilling this high calling. We must be equipped for ministry in order to build His Church (Eph. 4:11-16), and we can only do this as we devote ourselves to the Word of God and keep alert to opportunities for serving others.
The followers of Jesus must study the Bible diligently and daily, but not merely with a view to learning its contents or gaining some “feel good” experience or some assuring word from the Lord, We are called to be equipped by Scripture for every good work, for only thus will we be ready to “make the most” of every opportunity for serving others that is presented to us each day (Eph. 5:15-17). Jesus promises all those who have left everything to follow Him that He will give them authority, power, and abundant opportunities to “judge” the people of God, that is, to serve our fellow believers by the good works with which we are equipped through reading and studying the Bible. And it is in fulfilling this role that we will know the full and abundant life that only Jesus can give (Jn. 10:10).
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Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture references are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version, copyright 2001by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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Thank you for this reflection with its balance. My heart beats with this - study of The Word (together, also) with the first application being to our own lives for integrity and then really SERVING by helping each other LIVE it - such a privilege & responsibility, such a calling & gift. My sadness is that much of the time this part gets less focus than would be ideal/best because of so many other aspects of life taking up/being allowed to take up my/our time. And yet, it may be that those other aspects of life are the true proving-ground for applying what He tells us.
At any rate, thanks for this insight and the regular flow of Biblical perspective you let God provide through you in this column!
"We are co-regents with Him" This knocks me out of my chair. Is this role at the very center of our identity as royal sons? Are we not, in this life, commanded to rule in His name? Is this part of being "in Christ?"
Again, Since I've been following and reading these daily devotionals, I'm encouraged with reinforcement as we determine to be steadfast in Christ. Thank you. Serving is a special product in my own faith walk.
I'm most blessed to be a part of a team from our local fellowship to serve at a local Re-Hab Center. A wonderful way for retirees to keep growing and learning to remain strong and become stronger in Christ.
Great Expectations
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