Accepting the Genesis creation account as true leads us to recognize that from the beginning, there has only been one kingdom, God’s. Yet, the biblical narrative reveals Israel’s growing desire to imitate surrounding nations, culminating in their demand for a human king. God’s words to Samuel in 1 Samuel 8:7 are striking: “It is not you they have rejected, but they have rejected me as their king.” Every strategic planning session or governance retreat should begin with the reminder that we are participants in God’s already-established kingdom.
This awareness requires humility. We are not the architects of our own kingdoms, we are born into God’s. A simple, reflective question helps keep this perspective grounded: Do I truly believe God’s kingdom takes precedence over my own ambitions, or over Winebrenner’s?
This humility deepens when we acknowledge that God’s mission continues, with or without us. Esther 4:14 is often quoted: “Who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?” But we too easily overlook the earlier part of the verse: “If you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place…” In short, God’s purposes are not dependent on our survival or success. His kingdom endures, even if our organizations do not.
Next week, we’ll look at the significance of “one king” for this kingdom.
- Brent C. Sleasman, President