Brothers of the King - A.W Spalding (1929)
The Law of the Kingdom
MANY a kingdom has this world seen, and many a one, too, that has sought universal empire, from the days of Babel, to our own. But none has there been in design so vast, in spirit, so unique, in purpose so all-embracing, yet in outward form so far unperceived, as the kingdom set up by the God of heaven, which “shall not be left to other people,” but “shall stand forever.”’
Before a little despot of the Roman rule, there stood the King. Alone, despised, accused! “Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered Thee, unto me: what has Thou done?” frowned the procurator of Judea, who thought he held in his hands this Life. Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world.” “Art Thou a king then?” cried Pilate. Jesus said “I am.”
But not to Plilate, nor yet to the proud heads of His “own nation,” did He, or could He, reveal the character of that kingdom of His, which is not of this world. That was reserved for a little band of fishermen, and publicans, and other humble ones, who had been drawn by His magnetic soul of truth. (John IS: 35-87.)
The night before, in an upper chamber of a proud house in Jerusalem, He had revealed anew to His chosen - disciples and apostles the nature, the law, and the future glory of His kingdom. All that the prophets had -told, all that the longing heart of mankind has conceived and hoped since the flaming sword of cherubim shut the gates of Eden, all was comprised and, promised in those words of comfort: “Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.” John 14:1-3.
But not yet the glory! Preparation must: be made for it. For that glory is the outward expression of the character of the King; and, first, before the, glory, must come into the soul of every one of the citizens of that kingdom the motive, the power, the character, of Him who makes the glory.
