
One day the Ottomans decided to go on a rampage in cahoots with some other heretics who were looking for new territory to expand their operation but, O woe, the rampage was unsuccessful. Applying their own principle of government "to the victor the spoils" was unnecessary because the previously vanquished still lived there and could provide government where the Ottomans were no longer positioned to do so. In much the same way, Jesus is used to being not listened to but Jesus is not an ottoman.
John 18:36 [Jesus speaking] My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
His Kingdom, not being of this world, nevertheless arises from our experiences in it. Accepting what has been prepared involves renouncing what had been before and clearly in this process there is a "before" period as well as an "after." For the Ottomans this is the "after," a direct result of their own actions. However many insurgencies are attempted, that status remains.
Matthew 25:34-35 Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in
There is an alternative, that of inclusion rather than hostility, of accepting that God is Jesus and that out our own feeble efforts were as revolting as they were pathetic. Then the "after" becomes as possible as it is certain: certain because it's prepared already just as the world was prepared for us to live in, all those years ago.
Psalm 57:4-5 |
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