Once upon a time God discipled a nation. He took a group of bedraggled slaves and changed them into such a glorious nation that foreign dignitaries were left speechless. When Jesus told us to “make disciples of all nations” he was thoughtful enough to give us the stellar example of Israel to demonstrate what he had in mind.
Consider: When Moses led the Jewish slaves out of Egypt,
And yet in the space of four centuries God had so transformed this ragamuffin people that the Queen of Sheba was dazzled by the glory of Israel. (1 Kings 10:4) Such is the power of God’s transforming Truth for any nation from broken Bosnia to impoverished Haiti to floundering America. And it is God’s dream for the nations.
The Gospel of the kingdom begins with the promise of redeemed hearts (Ezekiel 36:26), and goes beyond to the transformation of nations. There’s not a hint of heaven or eternal life in this promise: “If you indeed obey the LORD your God and are careful to observe all his commandments I am giving you today, the LORD your God will elevate you above all the nations of the earth.” (Deuteronomy 28:1). The commandments God is referring to here have nothing to do with heaven and the hereafter, but about the everyday truth of living together in peace, ensuring justice, conducting business, educating children, caring for strangers and the environment, growing crops, practicing good health, and a host of other “how-tos” that will produce blessing and life.
The gospel of the Kingdom bids us pick up the dream of God for every person, every nation, and every sphere of life. Check back soon for some pieces of God’s dream for government.
Dispatches from the Shadowlands 
Few belongings? They actually had lots of animals and lots of Egyptian riches… future sacrifices and tabernacle materials. God plans ahead, even when we don’t! Blessings to you, Don, look forward to seeing you soon. Bette
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Don, Now how on earth can democracy fit into this ? I have been meaning to get back in touch, but I am having to learn a new internet route and my brain chooses to function only part of ea.ch 24 hours. By the way, this is my new e-mail address I sent you an e-mail from that address, but wasn’t sure you would open it. We are socked in with inches of snow now topped by ice. This happened before Christmas,too ! Prayers smiles and Lovbe,Janet
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In a recent study in Genesis, I was observing how the Lord God created an environment and then filled it with living things that were perfectly suited for that environment. The sky is filled with flying creatures. The seas are filled with swimming creatures. The land is filled with all manner of plant and animal life. A garden was created for us, His image bearers, and then he told us to fill the earth and have dominion over it. I am seeing that these spheres of cultural influence are environments that the Lord wants to fill with His plans and purposes and extend His BLESSING to the world through His people. Christ seeks to fill each of these spheres with the people He has uniquely gifted and graced with God-given desires to serve in these areas. Everyone one of us who follow Jesus has a unique and vital role to play in reflecting God’s glory into His world – everywhere – every day. Look forward to hearing your thoughts on how the light of Christ shines in the sphere of government. Blessings to you, Don.
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