“A Tale of Two Kingdoms” – December 19, 2021(Sunday AM)
Subject: What is the connection between religion and politics?
Complement: its a confusing connection - but our King is Jesus
Big idea: The government shall be upon his shoulders.
Introduction: (the sermon is told by John in first person); I come to the pulpit dressed as a fisherman.
Merry Christmas! --- how’s the fishing in these parts?
“Arn??? I said Arn??? (people reply; "Narn"). *** this is a local expression, unique to NFLD.
I used to fish for fish... now I fish for people.
Do you like talking politics?... well in my day we had plenty to talk about – those ruthless Romans...
I’ve come to realize that “Politics” is just another word for “power”
Politics is everywhere... because people are everywhere.
Isn’t it interesting how religion and politics intersect – and how one gets confused with the other! ...maybe you have overcome this confusion???
Some people say ....”don’t talk politics or religion” – I say how can we not talk about these matters – they are so important!!!
Me... I’m a political prisoner on Patmos – my name is John - son of thunder...
John, the disciple of Jesus.
Rome... sees me, as a threat to its power... (!)
Patmos is a small outcropping of rock off the coast of turkey...
The view of the Mediterranean sea is quite beautiful and the ocean breezes are warm... but a prison is a prison.
My heart is with my 7 churches on the mainland...Ephesus... Philly...Smyrna...Laodicea...Thyatira...Sardis...Pergamum.
Sometimes I forget that I’m not really a prisoner... that Rome isn’t in charge, and I belong to another king – and another kingdom.
Do you?
Do you ever forget who your king is?
...I want to tell you the Christmas story – it's a tale of two kingdoms...
...you must understand that I wasn't there when Jesus was born... I came on the scene years later – I was a rough and ready fisherman – who became a disciple of Jesus ... then a preacher...then a pastor ... and a theologian- writer - and now a prisoner.
Ephesus was my primary place of ministry... those were pioneering days... breaking new ground is hard work.
• 7 churches were under my care.
• I guess in some ways you could say I went from fishing to farming – take your pick – they are both very demanding.
• But when there was fruit to harvest – a soul who repented... freed from sin and its corrosive effect – well that was a good day. A day to rejoice.
My name is John...
My brother James and I were known as “the sons of thunder” –
that’s a nod to father.
You may know him as Zebedee – we knew him as “thunder.”
His voice was deep,
His strength was enduring,
His presence was impossible to ignore.
O yes... “thunder,” was a good description of father.
But I’m an old man now – and a prisoner... I’m pretty worn out. Or so I thought – turns out old age has some benefits. We see things that no one else sees – just because we are old. It's partly the ability to compare and contrast things... we see patterns that stretch over the years... we’ve learned what works and what doesn’t...Mind you, the younger crowd doesn’t always listen to us – they think they’re smarter and wiser... but we know better.
Yes, old age has its benefits indeed.
And being old - I’ve had time to write.
I didn’t want to write anything too soon – I needed to settle things in my mind – plus, I was too busy – on the go all the time.
But eventually I wrote an account of Jesus and his ministry – after all, I had a front row seat
...and I tried to use a different approach from Matthew, Mark and Luke – I didn’t need to copy their style.
I wanted it to be my own – rather than a story-by-story narrative... I decided to write a theological essay - to capture the essence of Jesus of Nazareth.
I think it turned out quite good – of course I can’t take all the credit – the HS helped me along – I wouldn’t want it any other way.
...I’ve been on this road now for some 50 years. I guess you could say I’m the last man standing from the original team of 13. Jesus called us to follow him – and we did... “the 12”... We were as shocked as anyone.
**Miracles – there were many.
Mercy – more than all the priests combined.
Ministry – mostly on the streets...
That was Jesus and the 12...
Preaching. Teaching. Talking. Listening. Praying.
3 great years...
We thought he was going to set up his own government and sit on David’s throne...
There it was – politics and (gospel) religion.. we had a tough time sorting it out.
Do you ever get confused about this?
Mom even got in on it... One day she approached Jesus –
“Grant that these two sons of mine (Me and James) may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.” (mt 20:21)
Jesus graciously brushed her off... ( you don’t know what you’re asking...)
Then, one night in the garden... a Judas kiss - and they arrested him.
A sword came out
An ear was sliced off
Was it time to fight?
Was it time to spill blood?
“Put it away” said Jesus – and he calmly restored the ear to that Roman soldier – as if to say – my power outranks yours!!! No more of this!!! ... . “Am I leading a rebellion, that you have come with swords and clubs? ... But this is your hour—when darkness reigns.”
Then came the crucifixion – and we - like everyone else thought it was over.
I now realize – it was just beginning. 3 days of fear and doubt followed.
Then - Resurrection.
That was something. He told us about it – but it never did sink in.
We looked into an empty tomb with disbelief...
Then the angels - he is not here; he is risen – just like he said.
Of course!
Then, those dramatic Appearances – he just showed up unannounced – walls and doors seemed remarkably transparent to him – and these appearances went on for 40 days... eventually, none of us could deny it – not even Thomas...
Then the Ascension - and Jesus was gone !
It was just us – now 11.
Before he left Jesus said – “I’ll never leave you!”
So we asked him ... “Lord, at this time are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel? (Acts 1:6)
We did it again – confusing politics and religion (GOSPEL is the better word.)
and then he said, “it's not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority...but you will receive power – not political power – a spiritual power... when the HS comes upon you... and you will be my witnesses.” ...wait in Jerusalem until you receive power.
So, after a week of waiting and praying – the Spirit made his dramatic entrance.
Fire. Wind. Languages.
Peter preached – and 3000 joined our ranks!!!
That was power indeed.
Not political power – the kingdom of God
We never anticipated Peter the fisherman becoming Peter the preacher.
Explosive.
That’s all I can say – explosive.
But it wasn't always smooth sailing
James – my dear brother was the first to be killed. – my dear brother.
King Herod was a blood-thirsty tyrant. Nothing more than a Roman thug.
Politics hadn’t gone away. Rome was still causing trouble
Years ago - Back in Galilee and Capernaum, as brothers in the fishing business – me and James were inseparable – we had fished Galilee together and Dad was our skipper (our Dad, Zebedee)
Every morning... off to fish.
“Thunder and sons”
We kinda liked the nickname - James and John, the sons of thunder.
Every day. That was our life – until Jesus walked by. He looked like a regular guy until he started talking.
“Follow me” he said – “and I will make you fishers of men”.
So, when news of James murder reached father...
“Thunder” was shaken... thunder became silent and still.
Losing a son – for preaching the good news – well, it shook him to the core.
It shook me too. But it didn’t stop me – it only made me more determined than ever to proclaim Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.”
Over the years, the Romans came after all of us... my good friend Peter was even crucified.
What became of the others??? hard to say for sure.
But like I said – it's just me now... they’re all gone home.
Being old can get lonely at times.
But I’ve never felt truly alone – because even though Jesus ascended to heaven – he’s still with me – he made that promise, to be with us to the very end of the age.”
Sometimes when you’re old you may think “my best days are behind me” – it's a common mistake – but totally wrong...
I always keep my eyes on the future – never in the rear-view mirror. My best days are indeed ahead of me.
Don’t you agree?
So, there I was a prisoner of Rome – but free in Christ... free in the Spirit.
On Patmos.
It was hard being out of action and stuck on an island...there were days when I thought ...” I’m going to die here.”
At times I had to remind myself – I’m not a prisoner of Rome – I’m a citizen of heaven.
And Jesus is my king!
And I had plenty of time to read and think... to pray & worship.
Getting a copy of the scrolls was virtually impossible – but thankfully I have a fair bit memorized.
Knowing that Jesus is the Messiah gave me a fresh look at the Hebrew scriptures...
So, lets talk politics and religion!
Here’s one of my favourite 1st testament (Hebrew scriptures) passages...
Isaiah 9:6-8
6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.
Sounds political!!!
The rabbis taught us well – this scripture is about a coming Messiah – who will fix the injustice and form a good government... one that will last forever.
It sounded like a dream – an impossible dream.
But Jesus never did set up a government.
He never did sit on a throne in Jerusalem.
In fact, quite the opposite – the government cornered him and crucified him.
So can you blame me for being confused – politics. Religion.
Who really has the power???
I thought some more about what the prophets had said, “his Kingdom shall never end”...
32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.”
So, here on Patmos - I reflected on Jesus’ ministry – what he did (die and rise, and ascend) and what he didn’t do – he didn’t overthrow Rome – or sit on a throne!!!
And I wondered – why not?
Isn’t that what Isaiah foretold???
Then, I recalled Jesus’ teaching about the kingdom... “my kingdom is not of this world...”
Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest ... my kingdom is from another place.” John 18:36
Soon... the gospels were being written – Mark’s gospel was written first – he was an admin assistant to Peter...
Mark was in a bit of a hurry – he had to write his gospel before he was killed... that’s one of the main reasons why his gospel is so short.
Then Matthew
Then Luke...
But you invited me here to talk about Christmas– the incarnation of our Lord.
So how to describe it?
What words should I use?
I thought of creation... And in Jesus ... I saw a new creation.
I needed to exalt Jesus – I needed to call people to see him in all his glory – fully divine... and more than a political king... a super-human description would not do it... you know the way that goes --- “he’s a man of peace and love...” he taught us to love our neighbour...
That wasn't going to suffice! I had to show his divinity.
** and, heresies started to gain attention – a dangerous heresy that claimed that Jesus was never truly human... ?
(they didn’t believe in the incarnation of God)
and other dangerous ideas – like...”he’s human but certainly not divine.
These heresies needed to be corrected.
**I was determined to write of the cruciality of the incarnation.
God did indeed become human – he wasn't an illusion... it really did become one of us.
He identified with us.
He entered into human suffering... he subjected himself to relationships and temptation by the evil one.
I should point out that John the baptizer had disciples who looked upon Jesus with uncertainty – and they called themselves “disciples of John” – not disciples of Jesus.... so that needed to be addressed too.
I had to get it right... the future of the gospel depended upon it.
We needed a high and proper Christology to pass on to succeeding generations.
Here’s how I began;
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
He is God – one with the Father.
He is creator of all things... visible and invisible.
He is life... without him there is no life.
You see...When God speaks things happen - because the words of God are the deeds of God.
When God first spoke – the world was created - So, When God wanted to say what God is all about, and what man is all about, and what life is all about, it wasn’t a sound that emerged - but a man. Jesus was his name. Jesus - the word of God.
Jesus of Nazareth – son of Mary... son of David...son of Abraham... second Adam.
Christ the Lord – son of God.
That was my message – Jesus is fully human; Jesus is fully God.
Exalted and humble
Holy and human
Divine - yet ordinary in appearance.
14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
I {John} assert(s) the divinity for Christ.
Jesus was eternally divine and fully incarnate—fully God and fully man.
My gospel says nothing about when or where or how Jesus was born – Luke and Matthew took care of that.
No shepherds... no wise me... no manger.
I didn’t even tell one single parable.
Instead, I recorded Jesus own words:
“I am the bread of life” – he is the food that feeds our soul.
“whoever comes to me will never hunger and he who believes in me will never thirst.”
When he raised Lazarus from the dead – how could I forget that moment – he said: “I am the resurrection and the life who believes in me will live even though he dies.”
I quoted the words of Jesus; “I am the door- if anyone enters by me - he will be saved.”
Yes, words of Jesus...; “ I am the good Shepherd.” “I am the light of the world.” “I am the way the truth and the life.”
Word.
The word became flesh – and made his dwelling among us.
Words of Jesus.
I wanted to capture his words. And pass them on to you.
That’s Jesus – God in human form – fully divine; fully human – not half and half.
100%
100%
Now, I’d like to tell you about my last visit with Jesus ... it came in the form of a vision... there on Patmos!
... it happened on the Lord’s Day, “I was worshipping the Lord... there was a beautiful sense of his presence... “I was in the Spirit” ...as I wrote in my gospel account - “God is spirit (!) and we worship him in spirit and in truth.”
So, there I was on Patmos, caught up in worship – and suddenly, a vision and a voice; “write on a scroll what you see and send it to the 7 churches...” (Rev. 1:11)
When I heard the voice, I turned around.... and there he was... my glorified and triumphant Saviour, Jesus of Nazareth.
... he was dressed in a long robe reaching all the way down to his feet and he was wearing a golden sash around his chest. 14 The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. 15 (and his feet...) His feet were like glowing bronze - as in a furnace, and his voice ... it was like the sound of rushing waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword.
His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. (too much to look at...)
Incredible glory – divinity no longer veiled...
That’s my King... and I belong to his kingdom – I do not belong to Rome.
Hair
Eyes
Feet
Voice
*** all human features, yes – but all beyond anything you would expect – now he was glorified... now his divinity was unmistakable...
There he was fully divine – fully human!!!
... 17 When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid!! I am the First and the Last. 18 I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.
He reassured me that he is KING – not Herod – not Caesar!”
“I hold the keys, he said to me!!!”
It was Another word, from the Word! “Write down what you have seen... what is now and what will take place later.”
Like I said, being old has some benefits.
One more assignment.
***Tell the churches one more message – preach another sermon John!
Tell my people what’s going to unfold...
Tell them I have the keys to all things – even death – even hell.
Tell them I’m on the throne
Tell them I am the ruler of the Kings of the earth.
And later in that vision... I was given a picture of Jesus birth – unlike anything you will ever read in the other gospels... – it's the birth narrative – the Christmas story you may have never noticed.
Revelation chapter 12 - A great sign appeared in heaven:
(1) Pregnant woman
a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet and a crown of twelve stars on her head. 2 She was pregnant and cried out in pain as she was about to give birth.
(this was Mary like you have never seen her...)
(2) Dragon – Devil.
3 Then another sign appeared in heaven: an enormous red dragon with seven heads and ten horns and seven crowns on its heads. 4 Its tail swept a third of the stars out of the sky and flung them to the earth. The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that it might devour her child the moment he was born.
(3) BIRTH STORY
5 She gave birth to a son, a male child, who “will rule all the nations with an iron scepter.” And her child was snatched up to God and to his throne. 6 The woman (Mary plus church) fled into the wilderness to a place prepared for her by God, where she might be taken care of for 1,260 days. (3.5 years)
(4) ONGOING WARFARE... (DRAGON? SERPENT? DEVIL)
7 Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. 8 But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. 9 The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.
you are familiar with the overtones of the kingdom of God in the birth narratives... Jesus will... “ SIT ON THE THRONE OF HIS FATHER David...HIS KINGDOM SHALL KNOW NO END.”
But there’s more...you see this birth narrative is not from “ground level”... it's from the cosmic level. I was given a vision of a pregnant woman ...She gave birth -- And immediately the baby was under threat...
Instead of humble shepherds who came to greet and worship the newborn baby - and instead of Magi from the east who came to worship the child..., there is a huge, blood-red, seven-headed, ten-horned dragon, with crowns on every horn... trying to kill the baby.
**The dragon (devil) knows this baby (!) is going to overthrow him.
**The Dragon Intends on Devouring The Baby
The dragon stood in front of the woman who was about to give birth, so that it might devour her child the moment he was born. ...I Remembered king Herod... and all the tactics of the roman empire... – he too wanted to kill Jesus.
And I Remembered the story of Mary and Joseph fleeing to Egypt...
Many more Herod’s will try the same...... false ideologies...false religions...
Verse 5 - “Snatched up to heaven” = ascension of Jesus (Birth and ascension)
*** ... the ultimate defeat of Satan took place through the cross - death and resurrection of the Slain Lamb... who rose from the dead.
This(!) is the Christmas story that I want to tell you – Jesus has come to set the world right!!!
**But there is opposition...there’s another kingdom -it's not Rome or any particular govt – it's the enemy – Satan himself – and these earthly kingdoms are merely his puppets.
It’s not the Christmas of joy and peace – it’s the Christmas story of two kingdoms in conflict.
So, ... Choose your allegiance!!! Believe in Jesus – worship him; love him; serve him ...and while here with dual citizenship... remember
***Christmas means the end of tyranny and evil - and the reign of Christ.
Isn’t it interesting how religion and politics intersect – and how one gets confused with the other! ...maybe you have overcome this confusion – yes. No ???
**this new kingdom is here ... but it's not yet fully here... for now it's an invisible kingdom... then at his 2nd Advent... a kingdom fully realized.
Big idea - “Christmas is bigger than you think - it's a cosmic victory over the evil one!” ... that establishes the reign of God – and the end of sin and death. **Unto us a child is born – unto us a son is given – and the govt will be upon his shoulders... and his kingdom shall never end.
