Topical Bible: Kings: should Nourish the Church

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In the biblical context, the role of kings and leaders is often depicted as one of stewardship and service, particularly in relation to the spiritual and communal well-being of God's people. The concept of kings nourishing the church can be understood through various scriptural references and theological interpretations that emphasize the responsibility of leaders to support and uphold the faith community.

Biblical Foundation

The Old Testament provides numerous examples of kings who were expected to lead their people in accordance with God's laws and to promote spiritual health. King David, for instance, is often highlighted as a model king who, despite his personal failings, sought to lead Israel in worship and obedience to God. In 1 Chronicles 29:10-13 , David blesses the LORD in the presence of the assembly, acknowledging God's sovereignty and expressing gratitude for His provision and guidance.

Similarly, King Solomon, David's son, is known for building the temple in Jerusalem, a central place of worship for the Israelites. In 1 Kings 8:22-53 , Solomon's prayer of dedication for the temple underscores the king's role in facilitating the people's relationship with God, asking for divine presence and blessing upon the nation.

The Role of Kings in the New Testament Context

While the New Testament does not focus on earthly kings in the same manner as the Old Testament, the principles of leadership and service remain relevant. Jesus Christ, referred to as the "King of Kings" in Revelation 19:16 , exemplifies the ultimate model of servant leadership. His life and teachings emphasize humility, sacrifice, and the nurturing of His followers, which the church is called to emulate.

In Ephesians 4:11-12 , the Apostle Paul speaks of Christ giving gifts to the church, including apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers, "to equip the saints for works of ministry, to build up the body of Christ." This passage highlights the responsibility of church leaders to nourish and edify the congregation, drawing a parallel to the kingly duty of fostering spiritual growth and unity.

Historical and Theological Perspectives

Throughout church history, Christian leaders have often been seen as spiritual shepherds, tasked with guiding and nurturing their flocks. The writings of early church fathers, such as Augustine and Chrysostom, emphasize the pastoral role of leaders in teaching sound doctrine and caring for the spiritual needs of the community.

Theologically, the concept of kings nourishing the church can be linked to the idea of Christ's kingship and His ongoing work through the church. As the head of the church, Christ empowers leaders to act as His representatives, ensuring that the church remains a vibrant and faithful witness to the world.

Practical Implications for Church Leadership

In practical terms, church leaders today are called to embody the principles of biblical kingship by prioritizing the spiritual nourishment of their congregations. This includes preaching and teaching the Word of God, fostering a community of prayer and worship, and addressing the physical and emotional needs of the church body.

Moreover, leaders are encouraged to cultivate an environment where believers can grow in their faith and exercise their spiritual gifts. By doing so, they fulfill their God-given mandate to nourish the church, ensuring that it remains a beacon of light and truth in a world in need of redemption.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 49:23
And kings shall be your nursing fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers: they shall bow down to you with their face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of your feet; and you shall know that I am the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Of the Discipline of the Church, and Its Principal Use in Censures ...
... days without meat and drink (1 Kings 19:8 ... speak, laxer discipline; that the clergy
should be stricter ... nostril, though they were allowed to nourish within, even ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 12 of the discipline.htm

In God's Name I Beseech You Let Prayer Nourish Your Soul as Your ...
... prayer nourish your soul as your meals nourish your body ... thanksgivings, be made for
all men; for kings and all ... The first of beings, man, should also be first in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/purpose in prayer/chapter viii in gods name.htm

On the End for which the Holy Eucharist was Instituted
... "To nourish." The Holy ... fed and nourished with the sacred body of Our Lord should
after death ... what are all the persons of dignity in the world"kings or popes ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 23 on the end.htm

The Meaning
... on account of the seven orders of kings or dynasties ... this mystic Christ, the offspring
of the Church, is in ... for her by God, that they should nourish her there ...
//christianbookshelf.org/mede/a key to the apocalypse/the meaning 3.htm

The Treasure Hid in the Scriptures is Christ; the True Exposition ...
... enter into His glory, and that remission of sins should be preached ... 5. Such presbyters
does the Church nourish, of whom also the prophet says ... 4161] 1 Kings 14:10 ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter xxvi the treasure hid in.htm

The Fourth vision "In Heaven"
... people testifying and saying, "Behold, the kings' son shall ... the son of Christ's faithful
[!] church, elevated to ... by God, that there they should nourish her a ...
/.../bullinger/commentary on revelation/the fourth vision in heaven.htm

Interpretation of Prophecy.
... by a miraculous sign.1 Kings 13:3; 2 Kings 20:9 ... What wonder, then, that he should
have constantly connected with ... To nourish the faith and hope of the church, to ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxviii interpretation of prophecy.htm

Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the ...
... left me seven thousand in Israel" (1 Kings 19:18 ... among men that distinct rights of
property should exist among ... womb and give us birth, unless she nourish us at ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 1 of the true.htm

The Providence of God
... have a clear instance of this in I Kings 22:24 ... If God's providence should be withdrawn
but for a while ... would not warm us, our food would not nourish us, without ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/14 the providence of god.htm

Letter Xli. St. Ambrose in this Letter to his Sister Continues the ...
... But if you nourish the poor, if you wash their wounds and wipe away their filth,
you have ... Why should I speak of the troops of the five kings which were ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/letter xli st ambrose in.htm