Story time…
Receiving the kingdom:
History tells the exciting adventure story of a daring young man who was destined to conquer most of the then known world. His name, Alexander of Macedon, is also known to us as Alexander the Great. This fiery, young, Greek commander was determined not only to subdue the enemies of Greece, but also to bring the Greek language, culture, and influence upon the whole world.
After conquering a country, he would often import people from his native land to live in the newly conquered area to teach then the Greek language and way of life. Thus he was not only interested in conquering countries, but his intention was to conquer people’s hearts and change their lives and their loyalties.
As a result of Alexander’s rule, the world was changed. The New Testament was written in Greek because the writers were a part of that ancient world. The influence of Greek art, architecture, literature, and philosophy could be felt and seen everywhere.
Alexander died in 323 B.C. at the age of 33, but we still feel the impact of his rule and influence. Those who live in the western world have been taught to think and reason like the ancient Greeks. The Olympic Games, which draw athletes from many nations, began in Greece centuries ago. Young women and men who study in seminaries learn Greek in order to better understand the Bible.
It is little wonder that Alexander was called “The Great” since his conquest of land and people was felt not only in his world, but in ours as well.
The story of Alexander is a human analogy that illustrates the impact and power of God’s rule on the world. Alexander exercised his control in an effort to change people’s life-styles and thinking.
In the Lord’s Prayer we ask for God’s kingdom, or rule and influence, to come. We pray that God will dramatically affect the lives of people and God will influence us for good as we allow God into our hearts and lives.
If the ancient ruler such as Alexander could influence the world to such an extent, how much more could God’s rule change the world if people allow God to rule in their hearts!
We pray that God may rule in the hearts and lives of all people!
“Behold the kingdom of God is in the midst of you” – Luke 17:21