The currencies of most nations in the world have exchange rates which determine the value of those currencies in relation to that of other nations. That currency which has the highest value is generally more sought out than those of lesser value even though they may be quite useful in their own nation. The “gold standard” of currencies in the world has generally been the U.S. dollar which is often accepted in other countries without going through an exchange process. How long that will remain true is anyone’s guess. The value of any monetary system is built upon the reliability and strength of that kingdom or nation.
The most valuable “currency” in all of the world is not the U.S. dollar. Yet it is considered of little worth in the world by the men of this world. The LORD spoke of the inability of men (by nature) to consider the value of this “currency” when HE told Nicodemus, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3) Since the eyes of men are blinded to the glory of this Kingdom they cannot value the “currency” of it. Left to themselves men will have no regard unto this Kingdom or its KING.
The “currency” of this Kingdom is so completely contrary to that of all Earthly systems that it appears in the darkened eyes of men to be foolish. “But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.” (1Cor 2:14) “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit.” (Rom 8:5)
When the SPIRIT of GOD awakens dead sinners and calls them out of darkness and into the glorious LIGHT of CHRIST, they are caused to “see”, not only their own foolishness in scoffing at this Kingdom, but also to desire that their coffers be made full with the riches of this Kingdom. They are desirous of seeking those things which are above, where CHRIST sitteth on the RIGHT HAND of GOD. This is that which the LORD spoke of when HE said, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness.” (Mat 6:33)
One of the first things we notice about the “currency” of this Kingdom is that is exclusive and singular. There is no “exchange rate” available. Religious men scoff at such an idea and fully believe that there is great value in imitating the IMAGE which is stamped on it. Yet these “counterfeits”, though sometimes quite hard to detect, are nonetheless false and all of those who rely upon them shall be cast away. “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” (Mat 7:21-23)
When the Pharisee’s sought to entangle the LORD over the matter of paying taxes to Earthly governments, HE confounded them all as HE said, “Shew me the tribute money. And they brought unto him a penny. And he saith unto them, Whose is this image and superscription?” (Mat 22:19-20) They answered that it was that of Caesar. Therefore, HE told them that such currency is rightfully given to the one whose image is upon that money. CHRIST’s image, alone, is upon the “money” of the Kingdom of GOD. HE will share HIS glory with none and no NAME but HIS is recognized in that Kingdom. “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
By HIMSELF, HE has procured the redemption of all of those for whom HE shed HIS precious blood. No one can add to or take from that which HE has purchased. “I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment. For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come. And I looked, and there was none to help; and I wondered that there was none to uphold: therefore mine own arm brought salvation unto me; and my fury, it upheld me.” (Isa 63:3-5) “All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.” (John 6:37-39)
The economics of HIS Kingdom are quite at odds with worldly economics. In this world men succeed by being strong, becoming rich, and leaving a legacy. Yet HE has demonstrated the principles of HIS Kingdom so that HIS children might follow in HIS steps. HE was rich, yet HE became poor for our sakes, so that in HIS poverty we are made rich. HIS disciples argued about who would be the greatest in the Kingdom and HE confounded their minds when HE said, “Whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Mat 20:26-28) What HE instructed them in, HE showed them by example, for not only did HE gird HIMSELF and serve them by washing their feet at the Last Supper, but HE “made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” (Php 2:5-8)
Great religious professors and instructors tell us, in one fashion or another, that what CHRIST has done is not completely sufficient. Some tell us we must apply ourselves in the great endeavor of “making ourselves clean”. Yet the only “cleanliness” which is accepted in the Kingdom over which CHRIST rules is that which HE has provided making HIS bride to be without spot or blemish. “Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.” (John 15:3) What manner of “cleanness” can be added to this by the endeavors of the flesh? When Paul says; “let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.” (2Cor 7:1), he does so, not with an eye to stirring the people of GOD up to some activity of the flesh, such as “touch not, taste not, handle not”. Rather he says that the cleanness which they have is based upon the “promises of GOD.” The sons of GOD can only be clean in the Kingdom of GOD by that which CHRIST has performed for them and in them as HE calls them from darkness to LIGHT. The economics of the Kingdom is based solely on the RIGHTEOUSNESS of CHRIST.
The “strength” of the LORD’s people is seen, not as they triumph over this or that enemy, or walk in obedience to various precepts which they are exhorted to follow. Rather their “strength” is in their reliance upon CHRIST even as Paul recounts, “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” (2Cor 12:9-10)
“What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin, that grace may abound? God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein?” (Rom 6:1-2) “Likewise reckon ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” (Rom 6:11) “For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.” (Rom 6:14) The IMAGE and SUPERSCRIPTION of CHRIST is on all of the money of this KINGDOM. HE will have all of the glory and all of the praise and we receive the benefits which HE purchased for us, wrought in us, and will give us as joint heirs of HIS wealth. Can any man add one cubit to his stature?
mam