Proverbs 25:2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter.
This verse is so interesting, the Lord conceals His Word, but a king searches to ‘unveil’ this Word (the original Hebrew scripture for a thing and a matter is dābār, translated Word)
They both do this however in ‘the glory’. If we remove ‘the glory’ we would probably think one of the Lords projects in heaven is to ‘conceal’ a truth, and the kings assignment on earth is to discover or search out His truth. We would most likely go away pondering-as I have done- ok Lord, I don’t understand Your motive, but you kings out there have some work to. 🙂
‘The glory’ however puts a holy and special ‘light’ on this verse. It’s ‘the glory’ that causes truth to be concealed by the Lord, and it takes ‘the glory’ for a king to understand the Lords truth.
To think the Lord delights in concealing truth to man is simply not taught in the scriptures.
John 1:4 In Him (Jesus) was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.
John 8:12 Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
1 Timothy 2:3-4 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.
The only time the Lord ‘conceals a matter or Word’ is when we ‘walk in darkness’ Jn. 8:12 above.
This is true To the Gentiles
Ephesians 4:18 They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts.
And also To the Jews
John 12:37-40 Even after Jesus had performed so many signs in their presence, they still would not believe in him. 38 This was to fulfill the word of Isaiah the prophet…39 For this reason they could not believe, 40 “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their hearts, so they can neither see with their eyes, nor understand with their hearts…” See Matt. 11:20-25. 2 Cor. 4:4.
In other words, it is the Lords glory (His light) that causes the concealment, because darkness simply can not comprehend the Lords true heavenly light.
John 1:5 And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.
John 3:20 Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that their deeds will be exposed.
If we combine the meaning of the above verses, we realize the Lords light-His glory goes out to all mankind, even into the evil, for His light shines in the darkness Jn. 1:5. Thus, the Lords ‘nature’ produces the glorious light and concealment comes ‘naturally’ to those who turn from the light and follow darkness, for everyone who does evil hates the light-it exposes them. Jn. 3:20. We then understand- it is the glory of God that conceals His Word (a thing) and it takes the glory of God in kings (men) to be ‘part of’-comprehend-Gods words or matters Prov. 25:2. 2 Cor. 4:4
Why the King
Why then does the Lord specify it is the kings responsibility to walk in the Lords light ‘the glory’ so he can understand His Word (a matter)?
As 1 Tim. 2:3-4 mentioned above, the Lord desires ‘all’ men to come to the knowledge of truth. The king is the ruler of all men under his kingdom. If the king is walking in ‘the glory’, he can understand the Lords ways (the Word or matter) thus he can teach ‘the glorious’ matters to all those under him-so ‘all men’ will have an opportunity to come to the knowledge of the truth’ 1 Tim. 23-4.
A king, the highest ruler ship in the land will have the greatest influence with all those under his kingdom. While a king cannot force men to walk into the truth of the Lord (Jn. 3:16), a righteous king will provide a covering of light (glory) for all to see. This righteous sovereignty is the closest representation we have to the Lords coming
John 1:4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.
Proverbs 29:2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked rule, the people mourn.
A king walking in the Lords glory does not replace the Messiah, but points the way to salvation (Jesus) to all under his sovereign rule. What an incredible honor it is for a king to be assigned with the task to share Gods glory to all those in his (or her) kingdom. The Lord is teaching- you righteous kings, those walking ‘in glory’ are the truest demonstration of My Son coming as a light to this dark world.
Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Wow, a righteous king has awesome responsibility!
Who are the Lords Kings in His Kingdom
Ephesians 2:6 And God raised us (His children-believers) up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,
Jesus became our King and earthly representative when He rose from the dead and sat at the right hand of God. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords
1 Timothy 6:15 God, the blessed and only Ruler (Jesus vs. 13), the King of kings and Lord of lords, Mk. 16:19
His Kingdom and rule covers the whole earth
Ephesians 1:19-23 That power is the same as the mighty strength
20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.
In Eph. 2:6 above, the tense is present, we are NOW Seated with Christ in heaven, over all the earth! Let’s explore what this means to us, as co heirs to Christ kingdom.
Revelation 1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Romans 8:17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
While scriptures teaches there will be a literal reign of believers ruling with Christ on earth when He returns Rev. 20:6, Rev. 5:10, the above verses are saying NOW is our time to reign, we have our throne ‘In Christ’ at this moment! See Fellowship or Friendship
Where is the Dominion (Location and Rule) of Each Believers Kingdom
As mentioned in Eph. 1 above, the Lord is currently seated with the Father on His throne. Jesus is now ruler of all creation in both the heavenly and earthly realm. The Lords kingdom now officially resides over all the earth. The heirs to His reign are all those ‘born into the kingdom of God’ Jn. 3:5-7.
Luke 17:21 because the kingdom of God is within you Also Rm. 8:17 above.
We do not presently share in the Lords Kingdom on earth in Jerusalem, because the Lord is now at the Fathers side in heaven Heb 10:12, Mk. 16:19.
Our kingdom therefore is as ambassadors, reigning representatives of Christ.
We truly are kings in the glory (of Christ) to search out Gods Word Prov. 25:2, to this entire lost world!
2 Corinthians 5:20 in behalf of Christ, then, we are ambassadors, as if God were calling through us, we cry out, in behalf of Christ, `Be ye reconciled to God;’
The location of our kingdom is connected to this world but is unmistakably high and lifted up, a true kingdom above all the kingdoms of this world.
Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an mountain cannot be hid.
This united (city) church is much more real than what we encounter in most of today’s assemblies. When His saints ‘awaken’ to His glory, the unified church within the body of Christ will elevate our spirits with the Lord and each other. We will experience a walk ‘lifted up’ in Him on His Mountain-and recognize those fellow kings who also have entered this great city on a mountain. 1 Jn. 1:2-5, 1 Jn. 1:7 See Fellowship or Friendship
This is the way His kingdom works. Jesus is in heaven and is the head of the body of Christ.
Colossians 1:18 And He (Jesus) is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.
We humbly realize that Jesus has snatched us from the pit of hell and made us heirs (kings) with Him Rm 8:17 above.
Revelation 1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to Him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
Our kingdom is real. It is connected to the Head-Jesus. The city on a hill is under the ruler ship of Jesus, as the head. Our thrones are currently placed ‘with Him’-on His mountain…but we have to be in ‘the glory’ to see and understand this as kings.
Jesus explains, if you put a cover over your light on a mountain, you won’t glow. We have to be shining ‘in the glory’ to understand and fulfill our kingdom duties. Next vs.
Matthew 5:15 Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.
Facts About Your Kingdom, Your Throne With Jesus
-You are a king (or ruling queen) in the Lord
Ephesians 2:6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus. We are seated with Him now!
Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. ….but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years. Rev. 1:6, Rm. 8:17
-Your kingdom has a location and dominion, it is lifted up and connected to Christ
Matthew 5:14 You are the light of the world. A city on a mountain cannot be hidden
-You share your kingdom with those who are ‘in the glory’ walking in righteousness.
Ephesians 4:12-13 so that the body of Christ may be built up, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become complete, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.
This is an incredible teaching. Our goal is to be build up in unity of faith (a unity that originates from being able to hear the voice from the Lord and in faith-action step- being obedient to it). United in teachings (knowledge from the Holy Spirit, not man Jn. 14:26). Reaching completeness (full unity in faith, knowledge, purpose and direction) until we attain the whole measure (the whole body of Christ becoming as one) in the fullness of Christ (united in His authority, radiance and glory). Does this sound like a new ‘awakened’ church to you? Is. 43:19, Matt. 5:14, Eph. 5:27, Rm. 8:17.
John 17:21 that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You
-The true mustard seed church will grow from the smallest ‘body’ to the greatest church in the world
Mark 4:30-32 Again he said, ‘What shall we say the kingdom of God is like… it is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. 32 Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade.”
Ephesians 4:15-16 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
-The greater number of earthly kings participating in the Lords kingdom, the greater power your kingdom (as well as other kings) will receive. See link at bottom.
Ephesians 5:27 and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless. (the Lords final church-before the rapture).
1 Corinthians 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power.
Mk. 4:30-32 Mustard seed church above
-As kings, we fight together to overcome the illegitimate evil kingdoms
Matthew 11:12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force Mk. 3:24-25 See Video Victory over Satan
Receiving Your Kingdom
1) The first step for all, is receiving eternal life through the cross of Jesus. Please see this link to enter the Kingdom of God, to have ‘His kingdom within you’ Lk. 17:21.
2) Walking in the Truth…getting real with Jesus.
John 3:21 But whoever lives by the truth comes into the light, so that it may be shown that his works were done in God.
As the first verse explained, kings need to abide ‘in the glory’ so the Lords ‘glory’ won’t conceal a matter (have the Lords matter be concealed because they are not in the light-but darkness). This scripture is teaching the same principle. We have to walk in the truth to come into the light. In other words, we have to abide in the truth (Jesus Jn. 1:14,17) so we can be in a place to hear from Him (come into His light) in order to be able to follow His directives works done in God. Jn. 15:4-5, Rm. 8:17, Rev. 1:6. We are indeed seated with Christ, but unless we are awake, we will not be a reigning participant, but a ‘sleeping king’. Eph. 2:6, 1 Thess. 5:6.
The reason the church is still in the mustard seed phase is not because the church has sinned (please-let me finish). Romans 7 states we-kings in Christ– are in battle with sin. In the Lords strength, we can overcome sin-but the battle is real Rm. 7:24-25. Coming in contact with sin usually does not keep us from understanding His matters in the glory, for until we are face to face with the Lord Christians will encounter sin 1 Jn. 1:8-9, 1 Cor. 13:12-13, Phil. 3:12
It’s the lack of ‘being completely‘ truthful part that keeps the church dormant. When we don’t get totally honest with the Lord and ourselves… ‘battle sin-replacing sin with His glory’, this will hinder us from activating the ‘ live in the truth’ phase in our walk with God. As the Word above states, once we get truthful with our sin as a Nation (honestly acknowledge sin and repent) –walking in truth- the church will then come into the light. A united church-hearing, seeing, and yes-reigning with Him. See ‘The Way’
Note: The above process of -first, recognizing our sin and then truly overcoming it in the Lords strength (His glory) is what the Lord is teaching when He says become fully mature, perfect in Him –Col. 1: 28, Phil. 3:12, Matt. 5: 48.
Psalm 3:3 But You, O LORD, are a shield for me, my glory and the One who lifts up my head.
Jesus again teaches this truth in the Gospel of John below.
John 14:6 Jesus says “I am the way and the truth and the life.
It is easy in our country to announce to the world, Jesus is ‘the way‘. The broad road thins out however when we apply ‘the truth‘. Does His Word and Spirit penetrate our hearts in every aspect of our lives. Do we search for His truth in our lives more that we desire life itself. I would like to say first-my shortcomings in this area need more of Christ, plain and simple. As the church strives in the truth however, His life will then manifest in the ‘glory’ bringing His presence from heaven to the body of Christ.
One Example
A pastor recently wrote a book on forgiveness. After each chapter he mentioned certain steps to achieve real victory with those who have offended us. I personally believe this pastor understood the need to get truthful before the Lord so we could come into ‘heavenly understanding’. So many of us talk about forgiveness, but rarely search out hearts to discover unforgiveness that may have crept into our hearts. To help us with this process, he applied at least one of these steps after each chapter.
A) Recognition We need to recognize our unforgiveness by searching our hearts.
B) Proclamation-Lord. Proclaiming our decree-speaking forgiveness.
C) Transition. Action step, when we act on our forgiveness.
The steps of forgiveness however apply to all areas of our lives.
A ) Recognition: Lord I will spend the time to search out Your will and become completely honest before You.
Matthew 22:37 Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’
We have to search out heart in detail… with the Lords light-rid ourselves of sin and replace darkness with light. This is why Jesus made this commandment ‘the greatest’. It puts us in the Lords glory so we can understand heavenly things. Prov. 25:2- kings in the glory that are able to search out a matter above.
B) Proclamation: Lord, I will speak out Your truths and follow them. Every king has to proclaim a decree before it becomes a law. The same is true for the heavenly kings on earth. It gives testimony to the Lord, His holy and fallen angles…and many times to us. It sets in motion our intentions in the Lord
Proverbs 18:21 The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit See Rm. 10:9-10
C) Transformation: Lord, I will set ‘action steps’ in my life to accomplish Your will. We repent and act upon our declaration.
2 Corinthians 7:9 yet now I am happy, not because you were made sorry, but because your sorrow led you to repentance. Rev. 2:5
These steps are not hard to understand, but as Paul states in Romans 7…can be a real war and takes a genuine sincere fight to maintain our ‘glory’ in the Lord.
I wanted to close by thanking you for taking the time-the work in pursing the Lords kingdom on earth. Your sincerity, your continued endurance are the very ‘keys’ that will bring understanding to have Gods kingdom reign on earth Matt. 6:10. It will be so beautiful when the Lords heavenly light is manifested on His church-on His body of Christ. There is no substitute in this world that can replace His radiance on you. Praise God 🙂 . Please see Our Road with God P1, P2
For more information on the Lords Kingdom, please read the first 4 articles on the Kingdom of God. Also The Way