#god rules

## Why the difference

In the Tanakh, the problem was not that kingship itself was always evil; the problem was the people’s desire to have a human king “like the nations,” which expressed distrust in God’s kingship over them. Christian interpretation says Jesus is different because his kingship is not merely human and political; it is tied to God’s own authority and mission.

## Jesus as the true king

The New Testament presents Jesus as the promised Davidic king, the Messiah, and “King of kings,” so Christians think receiving Jesus as king is actually receiving God’s rightful ruler. His kingdom is also described as not being “of this world,” which means it is not simply another earthly regime competing with God.

## A simple way to frame it

So the contrast is this: in Samuel, Israel said, “We want a king instead of trusting God’s rule.” Christians say, “We accept Jesus because he is God’s chosen king, and submitting to him is submitting to God.”

## The theological logic

Summary

Jesus and His disciples reach the other shore and disembark, when a man comes running down the hill. The demons that control him beg Jesus not to torture them and Jesus discovers that the group is called Legion. He casts them out of the man and into a nearby herd of pigs that run off a cliff into the sea and drown.

The whole town comes out to see Jesus and the now healed man who is clothed and in his right mind. The people are afraid of Jesus after seeing the transformation and ask Him to leave, but as He is preparing to leave, the healed man begs Jesus to let him accompany Him. Instead, Jesus sends him to go tell his story.

First Thoughts

I always think about how terrifying that experience must have been for the disciples. I think I’ve read a version of the story where they run back to the boat and I completely understand why that would be your first instinct.

I’ve also always been concerned about the pigs. I don’t think I would have survived Bible times and having to kill so many sheep and cows for sacrifices either.

What does this passage teach me about God?

He’s incredibly powerful and He is the Authority of the entire universe. He has always been and He will always be in charge. Only the person in charge could have given us the gift of choice.

What does this passage teach me about how I should live my life?

If the Authority of the Universe has my back, I can sleep easy. He can protect me and provide me with everything I need.

He wants me to keep telling my story, what He’s done for me, share who I was, so people can be in awe of the transformation.

Prayer

Dear Jesus,

Please transform me so that others will be amazed by your power. Give me the courage to share my story with others so that they will want to be part of your family.

In Your name,

Walk in the Love of God | Christian Music | "God Puts His Hope Completely on Man"

I From the beginning until today, it’s only mankind who’s had a way to talk with God, converse with God. Among all creatures, all living things, it’s only mankind who words can bring and talk with God, converse with God. Since His management, God has been waiting for just one offering— the heart of man, that He may cleanse and equip it, and make man satisfying and loved by God, man satisfying and loved by God.

II With ears for listening and eyes that see, ideas and language, a will that’s free, man can hear God, can walk with God. He can know God’s will, accept His task. And God desires man, wants man for His like-minded friend who’ll walk with Him. Since His management, God has been waiting for just one offering— the heart of man, that He may cleanse and equip it, and make man satisfying and loved by God, man satisfying and loved by God.

III Oh God would make man love Him, shun evil and revere Him. This one thing He’s awaiting since all eternity. Since His management, God has been waiting for just one offering— the heart of man, that He may cleanse and equip it, and make man satisfying and loved by God, man satisfying and loved by God. from Follow the Lamb and Sing New Songs

Recommended：