Scaffolding

Isaiah 9:6-7
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end.”

At Christmastime we celebrate the birth of The King. The multitude of angelic hosts announced His birth. What a celebration in heaven there must have been! The wise men came from afar to see the King who had been born and to give Him gifts. Under the anointing of the Spirit, Isaiah defines the character of The King. He is the mighty God who has no equal or competition, and yet He is our compassionate Father to whom we can turn at any time. What an awesome Father we have! He is Wonderful, isn’t He? He is our Counselor, where we can find wisdom. He is our Peace, no matter how great the storm.

This King of Kings came into the world to establish His kingdom. The authority or government of the kingdom is upon His shoulders, and of this kingdom there is no end. Jesus described His kingdom in Luke 17:20-21, "The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, 'See here!' or 'See there!' For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you." His kingdom is not defined by a geographical location, country or people group. His kingdom is seated in the hearts of men, women and children around the world.

Paul writes that “the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 14:17-18) Christ’s kingdom is not in what we own but in who we are. We are a kingdom of priests who represent God to the world and intercede before God for the world. We are the likeness of Christ, the earthen vessels that show forth the glory of God. Wherever we are, we are the kingdom, a kingdom that is ever expanding into the hearts and lives of those with whom we come in contact. Together we are being built into a spiritual house for His glory.

Only what is built in the hearts and lives of people is the true kingdom, the overcoming and eternal kingdom that will never pass away. We need to constantly remind ourselves that our organizations, programs and buildings are not the kingdom. They are simply the scaffolding that allows us to build the kingdom. Scaffolding is important but only temporary. God help us not to become so preoccupied and busy building and maintaining the scaffolding that we fail to build the building, the kingdom in ourselves and in others, the kingdom of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. One day the scaffolding we have spent so much time, money and effort building will be swept away to reveal what we have built that is of eternal value.

In this holiday season, let us celebrate what an awesome King we have and that we are part of the greatest kingdom in the world today. Let us purpose to build His kingdom in us and in those around us to the glory of God the Father.

Andy Clark