Dedication

This book is dedicated to:

The King of kings and to the Lamb,

CHRIST JESUS,

who is worthy to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing!”

(Rev 5:12).

I also dedicate this book to the Apostles and "kings" of the Third Day Church.

Appreciation

Special thanks to my wife Irene,

to Kim and Christine for their help in the preparation of the manuscript and artwork and to Jane for her editorial assistance.

Foreword by men with the Kingly Ministry:

Apostle Dr John Eckhardt Apostle Dr Axel Sippach Apostle Dr H. Daniel Wilson Apostle Dr Henry Ramaya

Apostle Dr John Eckhardt

"The Ministry of Kings” will open your eyes and give you greater understanding of your position as a king in Jesus Christ. I have taught that the kings were types of apostles, but I have never fully seen the ministry of kings as taught in this book. I am once again excited about the revelation David Swan is releasing through this current teaching. This is present truth. This teaching will take you to another level of faith and you will receive greater wisdom to operate as a king in life. Don't allow this season to pass you by. This is the time for kings to arise in every nation. I believe this book must get into the hands of believers everywhere who desire to operate fully in the plan and calling that God has ordained for their lives. I highly recommend "The Ministry of Kings" as an end-times tool for the church to come into the fullness of what Christ has anointed us to be.

Don't just read this book, but carry it with you and meditate on the truths taught. Allow these truths to go deep into your spirit. Once these truths get into your spirit, you will begin to speak like a king. Your words will change and you will see a change in your life. You have been destined to be a part of a dominion generation. "The Ministry of Kings" will help you to exercise your God-given dominion and see great breakthroughs and victories in the years to come.

Apostle Dr Axel Sippach

David Swan has done it again! "The Ministry of Kings" is an inspiring, powerful work of present truth revelation that will challenge you to reach for new levels in God in this day of apostolic reformation. As an apostle with tremendous insight into God's plan for His end-time church, David's new book reveals a prophetic picture of the next dimension God is bringing His people into. If you desire to move into the realm of this kingly anointing of the Third Day, strategically positioned to rule and reign with Christ and forcefully advance God's Kingdom in the earth, then this book is a must to prepare you. I highly recommend it!

Apostle Dr H. Daniel Wilson

As we are now in the 3rd day of God, there are monumental shifts that are happening in the spirit. One of the great shifts is the unveiling of the role of biblical kings in the earth realm. Apostle David Swan has been uniquely anointed and appointed by the Holy Spirit to bring this rhema and revelation to the Body of Christ. In his new book "The Ministry of Kings" he opens up who, how and why these biblical and blessed servants of God will prepare the way for the King of kings.

I highly recommend this book to all who have a hunger for God and a desire for destiny. There are not many who have tapped into the heart of God as my brother David, the Apostle of Worship. If you are seeking to understand what God is doing in the now, this book is a must. Read it and then be prepared to be blessed by it.

Apostle Dr Henry Ramaya

David Swan is a dreamer of dreams and seer of visions, a down to earth man with his head in heavens. Like David the shepherd boy worshipper was anointed for the throne so is David Swan destined to be "among the Kings". "The Ministry of Kings" is the "seed of his loins" and the "fruit of his womb".

I recommend this book to be read and kept beside your Bible as a reference book.

Contents

Introduction

1    Definition of Kings

2    Is There No King In Your Midst?—The Scarcity of True Kings

3    Abdicated Kings

4    The Kings of Judah and Israel

5    The Anointing of Kings

6    The Crowning of Kings

7    The Decree and Blessings of Kings

8    The Dominion of Kings

9    The Heart of Kings

10    The Visions of Kings

11    The Wealth of Kings

12    The Wisdom of Kings

13    The Revelation of Kings

14    The Strength of Kings

15    The Stature of Kings

16    The Judgment of Kings

17    The Fame and Influence of Kings

18    The Authority and Power of Kings

19    The Decisive Kings

20    The Grace and Generosity of Kings

21    The King's Business

22    The King's Counselors

23    The King's War

24    The King's Provision

25    The Pitfalls of Kings

26    The Glory of Kings

27    King David

28    The Kingmaker

29    The Requirements of Kings

30    The Prayers of Kings

Introduction

"Behold... many kings shall be raised up from the ends of the earth." (Jer 50:41)

"Jesus Christ... the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father...." (Rev 1:5-6)

"And have made us kings and priests to our God; and we shall reign on the earth." (Rev 5:10)

"And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS." (Rev 19:16)

Behold... many kings shall be raised up from the ends of the earth (Jer 50:41). In this early dawn of the Third Day (Third Millennium), God is raising up many 'kings' from the ends of the earth to fulfill His divine plan and purposes. He is conferring the precious and powerful third anointing on His chosen and faithful servants. This third anointing of the Third Day is called the kingly anointing. It is an anointing for ruling and reigning. It is an anointing for dominion and for government. It is an anointing for subduing and enlarging the territories and boundaries of God's kingdom. It is an anointing for strong and decisive leadership. It is an anointing to win wars in the spiritual realm.

This anointing is accessed only in the third realm of the Tabernacle (God's chosen dwelling place as revealed in the Old Testament)—the realm of the Holy of Holies, the realm of glory, and the realm of the Throne. Many believers have begun to press into this third realm. Some have pressed in deep and near enough (especially through deep worship and intercession) to touch the 'scepter' of the King of kings. They have begun to touch and tap into the Authority and Power who will enable them to do things beyond their natural capability. They have tapped into the powerful and prevailing kingly anointing that flows from Him who sits on the Throne.

Touching the 'scepter' of the King of kings (receiving favor and authority) and tapping into the power of God will enable some of them to do the extraordinary and accomplish astonishing feats. Those who receive and carry the kingly anointing will no longer be common, ordinary, average or mediocre for there is something superb, mighty and majestic about the kingly anointing that causes them to rise above the status quo. When this kingly anointing is deposited into a person's spirit, it changes and transforms the person's spirit; it enables and causes the person to excel.

Each of the four Gospels emphasizes and portrays a unique aspect of Christ's life and ministry. The gospel of Mark reveals Jesus as the servant of God, who is symbolized by the face of an ox while the gospel of Luke reveals Jesus, the Son of Man as symbolized by the face of a man. The gospel of John portrays Jesus as the Son of God and is symbolized by the eagle. In this Third Day, we shall have more revelation concerning Christ the King as revealed in the gospel of Matthew and symbolized by the face of a lion. The ministry and manner of kings shall be manifested more and more in this dispensation than in the ages past. For in this Third Millennium, many kings of the Lord shall be raised up from the ends of the earth. When these kings begin to stand in their office, and when they begin to fulfill their function faithfully, we shall see more rapid and forceful advancements in the kingdom of God on earth.

The powerful, influential, and strategic kingly ministry is most needed for such a time as this—a time when so many things in this world move at an accelerated pace, a time of great uncertainty which calls for sharp discernment and bold leadership. It is of utmost urgency that this significant and strategic kingly ministry be raised up and released as rapidly as possible because the time is short. If this ministry is not released, the end-time purposes of God will not come into complete fulfillment and much will be left undone. In the redeeming of precious time, the ministry of kings plays an indispensable role in:

a.    Providing decisive leadership.

b.    Providing clear solutions to problems.

c.    Accelerating the release of resources.

d.    Swiftly implementing and executing the plans and purposes of God.

e.    Forming strategic alliances among those with the kingly ministry for greater global impact.

To the established kings (especially the apostles) who have been raised up by God, and to the emerging kings whom God is raising up, I dedicate this book. May it serve to affirm, clarify, and impart further understanding to the crucial, powerful, strategic, privileged, and demanding kingly ministry that God has called them into during this climatic Third Day of the Lord. May the King of kings establish them firmly and prosper them in their kingly office. May they learn to rule and reign with Him even now.

Just as the Lamb of God is found worthy to receive power, riches, wisdom, strength, honor, glory and blessing (Rev 5:12), many who are called and are found faithful, and worthy to enter into the ministry of kings, will also be entrusted by the King of kings in His wisdom and at His good pleasure with some measure and increasing measures of:

1.    power

2.    riches

3.    wisdom

4.    strength

5.    honor

6.    glory and

7.    blessing.

1

Definition of Kings

The Hebrew word for king is 'melekh' which means 'to possess, to reign'. A king, by narrow definition, is a man who is a supreme ruler of an independent country. In a broader sense, a king may be a person regarded as supreme in some ways. They may be people who have authority, power, capability, fame, influence, and recognition in a certain field. Therefore, broadly speaking, there are kings in many fields such as politics, finance, science, technology, sports, art, and music. To classify businessmen as 'kings' and the clergy as 'priests', as some have done, is an incomplete revelation. I have personally known many clergymen who have financially out-given and out-blessed many businessmen. In fact, there are more 'kings' among the clergy than 'kings' among the businessmen in many parts of the world. Perhaps the greater dedication and consecration among the clergy to the cause of God have motivated them to give and sacrifice more. Nevertheless, may many true kings be raised up from all the various vocations.

Many prime ministers and presidents in the nations of the world are actually standing in the 'office of a king'. These political kings hold the position and power to lead, influence, and shape the economy, development, and course of entire nations.

Broadly speaking, kings are usually the people at the top—the best, the champions, the leaders in their respective fields. For example, the title "Chess King" refers to the world champion in the 64-square board game. It is very difficult, even for professional players, to defeat the Chess King unless they are made of champion material. The Chess King has the mastery, authority, and strength in that field—he is the best. (However, it is quite certain that in the very near future, the Chess King will no longer be a human but a well-programmed and powerful computer!) Similarly, we have champion athletes who are called Track Kings or Queens and highly accomplished musicians in jazz music who are called Jazz Kings. We also know of people with great financial clout and tremendous wealth who may be regarded as 'kings' in the realm of finance.

Recently, I met a man in Vancouver, Canada, who is known locally as the Ice-cream King. His unique ice-cream parlor offers an astonishing 198 flavors! If you fancy sampling the unusual and exotic garlic, pepper, wasabi, curry, sesame seed, durian and many other uncommon flavors, this king in Vancouver has the product to offer. By the time this book is printed, I suspect he would have added more flavors to his ice-cream kingdom. Any takers for mustard-flavored ice-cream?

Unlike the known narrow definition of kings, which generally speaks of a ruler over a nation, the 'kings' in this book refer to those who 'rule' in the different fields of life. They are 'kings', in a sense, when they have recognition and authority in the field they excel in. I will focus particularly on the spiritual 'kings' of the Lord.

Presently, there are many 'kings' in the world and in the church of Jesus Christ who are not even aware of their positions. There are also many 'kings' who are just beginning to enter their kingly call, ministry and destiny. It is important for kings in the church of Jesus Christ to be fully aware of their specific kingly call, anointing, function, and ministry. Otherwise they may fail to enter into their full function and destiny as kings, and may end up missing the abundant blessings that could have flowed through their kingly ministry.

Broadly speaking, kings are usually the people at the top—the best, the champions, the leaders in their respective fields.

2

Is There No King In Your Midst? —The Scarcity of True Kings

"Now why do you cry aloud? Is there no king in your midst?...." (Micah 4:9)

"Is there no king in your midst?" prophet Micah asked. Is there no wise, strong, and decisive leader? Is there no one with the authority and power to deliver and bless? Is there no one in the position to influence the masses? Is there no one with the magnanimity to provide the needed assistance and resources for the furtherance of the kingdom of God? Is there no king in your midst?

In too many places and in too many churches, the answer to the question is, unfortunately, "Yes, there is no king in our midst!"

The dearth of true kings of the Lord is prevalent in most parts of the world today. Where there is a scarcity of kings, the work of God will be affected and slow down. Where there is a scarcity of kings, many servants of God and laborers in the field suffer unnecessary pressures and health-damaging stress from the constant lack. Where there is a scarcity of kings, the acquisition of many useful and time-saving equipment and instruments that could have freed the church to reach more people will have to be delayed or shelved indefinitely. Where there is a scarcity of kings, valuable time and opportunities will be lost. Where there is a scarcity of kings, the church will experience logistic problems because a vital supply to the Body of Christ is cut off when some abdicated kings refuse to do their share.

"from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love." (Eph 4:16)

We are thankful for courageous and devoted kings of the Lord who have risen up and have begun to function faithfully in their office as kings. But, in general, there is still a great scarcity of true and great kings all over the world. The ministry of kings plays a very important and crucial role because, among the many spiritual offices, the elevated and strategic office and ministry of kings has the greatest potential to influence and bless more people. It is my prayer that God would use this book to instruct and inspire more kings to arise and to fulfill their God -given function.

"Now the Lord said to Samuel, 'How long will you mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him from reigning over Israel....'" (1 Sam 16:1a)

If kings fail to fulfill their function, they will be rejected just as Saul was. They will suffer the loss of a golden opportunity in life to fulfill a great destiny and accomplish things that will endure through eternity. They will lose the privilege, honor, authority and glory that could be theirs. If kings fail to serve the purposes of God, then God will bestow the precious kingly anointing upon others who are willing and He will raise them up as kings!

"... Fill your horn with oil, and go; I am sending you to Jesse the Bethlehemite. For I have provided Myself a king amonq his sons." (1 Sam 16:1b)

The ministry of kings plays a very important and crucial role because, among the many spiritual offices, the elevated and strategic office and ministry of kings has the greatest potential to influence and bless more people.

3

Abdicated Kings

"But these five kings had fled and hidden themselves in a cave at Makkedah" (Jos 10:16)

I have met, known, and heard of people who made their millions and retired immediately to relax and enjoy life's pleasures for the rest of their days. Some fulfilled their grandiose goals of buying beautiful houses, cars, and depositing large sums of money in the bank to earn enough interest to sustain them for a lifetime. Some of them have not even reached retirement age. They are merely in their early 40s or even 30s! I believe many of these 'retirees' could have had the powerful ministry of kings and could have been a blessing to the multitudes and masses but, alas, they abdicated too soon! They build their own temporal kingdoms for their personal indulgences and are not concerned about the eternal kingdom of God. They have no sense of spiritual purpose and destiny. They have laid up treasures only on earth and not in heaven.

"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matt. 6:19-21).

I wonder how many potential, retired, and abdicated 'kings' are out there, even in churches and without crowns.

"Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown." (Rev 3:11)

These abdicated and potential kings will be accountable for the stewardship entrusted to them.

"And that servant who knew his master's will, and did not prepare himself or do according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes. But he who did not know, yet committed things deserving of stripes, shall be beaten with few. For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more." (Luke 12:47-48)

"And the Lord said,, 'Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master will make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has.'" (Luke 12:42-44)

4

The Kings of Judah and Israel

"And his deeds from first to last, indeed they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah."

(2 Chr 35:27)

There were good and bad kings in the nation of Israel during the Old Testament days. Some were loved and respected by their subjects while others were abhorred. From the proven, reliable, and accurate historical records of the Old Testament. we discover that many of the good kings were godly kings while many of the bad ones were typically ungodly kings. From this simple deduction, we know that kings who did not revere or regard God and His Word during their reign tend to rule badly and many caused the downfall of the whole nation. Sometimes it resulted in them losing their kingdom and coming under the control of foreign powers. On the other hand, the reigns of many godly kings who feared and honored God were distinctly blessed. Their reigns were often marked by spiritual and economic revival, progress, periods of prosperity and divine providence. There were also some kings in the Old Testament who started out well but faded and fared badly towards the end of their reign. History has shown us repeatedly that a nation rises or falls because of its leadership.

Here is a list of some of the good and bad kings of Judah and Israel:

Good kings

•    David (2 Sam 8:15)

•    Jehoshaphat (1 Kings 22:43)

•    Amaziah (2 Kings 15:3)

•    Uzziah (2 Kings 15:34)

•    Jotham (2 Chr 27)

•    Ahaziah (2 Chr 22:1-9)

•    Hezekiah (2 Kings 18:3)

•    Josiah (2 Kings 22:2)

•    Saul (1 Sam 13-31)

•    Ahab (1 Kings 18-22)

•    Jehoram (2 Chr 21:120)

•    Ahaz (2 Chr 28)

•    Manasseh (2 Chr 33)

•    Jehoiakim (2 Chr 36: 58)

•    Jehoiachin (2 Chr 36:910)

•    Zedekiah (2 Chr 36:1114)

Some important keys to understanding the ministry of kings are found in the books of Samuel, Kings, and Chronicles in the Bible. Many important lessons pertaining to the rule and reign of different kings can be gleaned from meditating upon these chronicles of kings and their kingdom.

History has shown us repeatedly that a nation rises or falls because of its leadership.

The kings in the Old Testament are a type of apostles. There are many similarities between these two ministries, which involve the anointing, authority, and wisdom for government. They are rulers and people of authority. In a broad sense, the ministry of many true and proven apostles may be classified under 'the ministry of kings'.

5

The Anointing of Kings

"Then the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah...." (2 Sam 2:4)

"Therefore all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David mad.e a covenant with them at Hebron before the Lord. And they anointed David king over Israel." (2 Sam 5:3)

"There let Zad,ok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him king over Israel; and blow the horn, and say, 'Long live King Solomon!'" (1 Kings 1:34)

"Then Zad.ok the priest took a horn of oil from the tabernacle and anointed Solomon. And they blew the horn, and all the people said,, 'Long live King Solomon!'" (1 Kings 1:39).

In the Old Testament times, the priests, prophets, and kings of the Hebrew nation were set apart and confirmed for their unique office with the special anointing of oil. This anointing with oil not only served as a public confirmation of their office, but it also represented an impartation of the divine empowerment and grace that is so necessary for one to function in the high office. Without the kingly anointing, one cannot fulfill and function adequately in this demanding and awesome kingly office. It is easier to enter such an office than to hold it in an enduring manner. It takes special grace, wisdom, authority, strength, the blessings and mercy of God to hold such an office—especially the office of a king!

The kingly anointing is one of the most powerful anointings that an individual can possibly carry. There is perhaps only one other mightier anointing which a mortal man can carry—the weighty Glory anointing. This anointing emanates from one's whole being when he or she is clothed in the weighty glory! The kingly anointing is an anointing for ruling and reigning. It is an anointing for dominion and for government. It is also an anointing for prevailing. It has strength and might to push back the forces of darkness and take new grounds. This mighty anointing enables one to break through. This 'record-breaking anointing' will enable them to break certain records (at least within their own locality, city, country, or sphere of influence). Those who consistently develop and carry this strong anointing will become high achievers, accomplish mighty deeds, slay 'giants' and rise up to become spiritual champions.

The kingly anointing is an anointing for ruling and reigning. It is an anointing for dominion and for government. It is also an anointing for prevailing. It has strength and might to push back the forces of darkness and take new grounds.

"Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over the cattle, over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.' So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them Then God blessed them, and God said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply; fill the earth and subdue it; have dominion over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth. ’" (Gen 1:26-28)

Adam was given dominion (1) over, (2) over all, (3) over every living thing that moves on the earth. He had the power to subdue and the dominion over all the living things on the earth. With the dominion and tremendous authority that Adam wields, he may be considered the first king of the earth. This gives us a picture and an idea of what we can accomplish when full authority is recovered and restored. Not many can handle such an anointing or hold on securely to the kingly office. King Saul couldn't. He attained but could not maintain the position because he did not have the character to contain it. Sadly, many in ministry fall not long after receiving this powerful and authoritative anointing. Therefore, God in His wisdom and love will not bestow this kingly anointing on just anyone, nor will He simply bequeath it to the unprepared. The preparations for the ministry of kings are usually extensive and intensive. And it usually involves seasons of breaking and times of brokenness. That's the main reason why God allowed David to dwell in the caves and wilderness for a rather lengthy season before He elevated David to the palace.

"Now when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines went up to search for David. And David heard of it and went down to the stronghold." (2 Sam 5:17)

As the kingly anointing is very powerful and poses a great threat to the realm of darkness, the enemy will therefore go all out to prevent one from breaking into and getting established in this higher level of anointing. Very often, the enemy will mount the fiercest spiritual attacks and put up the most stubborn obstruction in the lives of those who have just received this anointing. The early and preemptive attacks, obstructions, and distractions are intended to prevent one from fully transitioning into the new anointing and from being established as king. Once a person is established (set and firmly planted) in this anointing, there will be a stability and strength that the enemy finds more difficult to come against.

The early and preemptive attacks, obstructions, and distractions are intended to prevent one from fully transitioning into the new anointing and from being established as king.

"So David knew that the Lord had established him as king over Israel, and that He had exalted His kingd,om for the sake of His people Israel." (2 Sam 5:12)

"So let Your name be magnified forever, saying, 'The Lord of hosts is the God over Israel.' And let the house of Your servant David be established before You.” (2 Sam 7:26)

"Then Solomon sat on the throne of his father David; and his kingd,om was firmly established" (1 Kings 2:12)

For many ministers, the important period of transitioning into the Third Anointing (kingly anointing) is often the most critical and toughest transition time of their lives and ministry. This is the time when spiritual attacks are usually the fiercest and most relentless. At times, the pressures inflicted by the enemy may be so heavy, and the stress so high, that some are tempted to quit. Unfortunately, many who are under prolonged duress give up when they are just about to move into the apex of their ministry. There are also those who have just reached the apex but quit soon after because they can't cope with the new pace, position, and pressure.

For many ministers, the important period of transitioning into the Third Anointing (kingly anointing) is often the most critical and toughest transition time of their lives and ministry.

Therefore, it is no surprise that the casualty rate has been high and many had failed to move into this new and more powerful level of anointing. This is especially evident in places that are spiritual hard ground. This is mainly because the enemy had succeeded in some of its preemptive attacks, suppression, and diversionary schemes. One of the best protections against the schemes of the enemy is to dwell in the shelter and stronghold of God's presence (Ps 91).

There is an example in the book of 2 Kings which showed how Joash's transition to the throne was secured in the midst of threats and danger.

"When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the royal heirs. But Jehosheba, the daughter of King Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him away from among the king's sons who were being murd,ered,; and they hid him and his nurse in the bedroom, from Athaliah, so that he was not killed. So he was hidden with her in the house of the Lord for six years, while Athaliah reigned over the land." (2 Kings 11:13)

In the seventh year, Jehoiada the priest sent and brought the captains of hundreds—of bodyguards and escorts—and brought them into the house of the Lord to him. He made a covenant with them and took an oath from them in the house of the Lord and showed them the king's son. Then he commanded them, saying,

"This is what you shall do: One-third of you who come on duty on the Sabbath shall be keeping watch over the king's house, one-third shall be at the gate of Sur, and one-third at the gate behind the escorts. You shall keep the watch of the house, lest it be broken down. The two contingents of you who go off duty on the Sabbath shall keep the watch of the house of the Lord for the king. But you shall surround the king on all sides, every man with his weapons in his hand; and whoever comes within range, let him be put to death. You are to be with the king as he goes out and as he comes in. "So the captains of the hundreds did according to all that Jehoiada the priest commanded Each took his men, who were to be on duty on the Sabbath, with those who were going off duty on the Sabbath, and came to Jehoiada the priest. And the priest gave the captains of hundreds the spears and shields, which had belonged to King David, that were in the temple of the Lord Then the escorts stood, every man with his weapons in his hand, all around the king from the right side of the temple to the left side of the temple, by the altar and the house. And he brought out the king's son, put the crown on him, and gave him the Testimony; they made him king and anointed him, and they clapped their hands and said, "Long live the king!" (2 Kings 11:112)

Joash was kept hidden in the house of the Lord until it was time to install him as king. Then he was brought out under heavy escort and anointed king. Intercessors and armour bearers are are so vital. They can contribute by surrounding the kings with spiritual protection until they are established in their call and destiny.

One cannot function adequately in the kingly office without first receiving the kingly anointing. To receive this anointing, you need to come into the presence of the King of kings. To catch this kingly anointing, you need to sit under and receive from those who have a kingly ministry. The kingly anointing can be caught from the spirit, ministry, prayers, and impartation of kings.

One cannot function adequately in the kingly office without first receiving the kingly anointing.

6

The Crowning of Kings

"You have made him a little lower than the angels; You have crowned him with glory and honor, and set him over the works of Your hands." (Heb 2:7)

Charles H. Spurgeon, as well as a good number of mature and godly men, believed and preached that every son of God has the potential to be kings and priests. An author wrote that we are all 'Destined for the Throne.' I, too, am convinced that every believer has the potential, but I also believe that there are those who are specifically called, chosen, and ordained to be kings. Between the calling and the ordaining is the proving ground that will determine whether one wears the royal crown.

Between the calling and the ordaining is the proving ground that will determine whether one wears the royal crown.

Although many may have received the kingly anointing and are destined for the throne, they may not actually succeed in being confirmed and crowned as kings. They will not be 'crowned' unless they allow the potential, anointing, and call in their lives to develop, and until they prove themselves worthy.

It is regrettable that many potential kings did not pursue their call and have failed to fulfill their full destiny. They may not fully realize that their failure to pursue and enter into their full destiny will not only deprive themselves of priceless blessings and glory, but many others would also be deprived of the blessings that could have flowed through their kingly ministry.

When Joseph fulfilled his destiny, he saved many lives, including his own family, during a very severe famine which lasted seven long years (Gen 41-47). People from the surrounding nations came to Egypt to seek his assistance. When Esther fulfilled her destiny, she was instrumental in saving her people from mass genocide. When Jesus Christ fulfilled His destiny by sacrificing Himself on the cross, He made it possible for all men that believed in Him to receive forgiveness and salvation. Do not underestimate what can result from a single person's obedience to the call of God and in fulfilling his destiny.

"Therefore, as through one man's offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man's righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life. For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so also by one Man's obedience many will be made righteous." (Rom 5:18-19)

God will entrust this high office only to those who have proven their faithfulness in the things of God. Faithfulness is the quality that God is looking for in those who will be entrusted the kingship and rulership. In Matthew 25, Jesus taught in a parable that those who are found faithful would be made rulers!

Faithfulness is the quality that God is looking for in those who will be entrusted the kingship and rulership.

"For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord,'s money. After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them. So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, 'Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained, five more talents besides them.' His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' He also who had received two talents came and said, 'Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.' His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord."' (Matt 25:14-23)

The neck is needed to support the head that wears the crown. Kings must not have the neck of stubbornness and pride, but the neck of grace and submission (Song of Songs). Otherwise, the crown may not stay steadfast on the king's head. Once the 'crown falls off, the authority and right to rule and reign will be lost.

We receive authority only when we submit to the ultimate Authority—The King of kings.

For I also am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this one, "Go," and he goes; and to another, "Come," and he comes; and to my servant, "Do this," and he does it (Matt 8:9).

"Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown." (Rev 3:11)

In the book of Revelations, the 24 elders cast down their crowns (a symbol of kingship) before the King of kings. To the King of kings, all the other kings must prostrate and fall!

We receive authority only when we submit to the ultimate Authority—The King of kings.

7

The Decree and Blessings of Kings

"In the first year of King Cyrus, King Cyrus issued a decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem: 'Let the house be rebuilt, the place where they offered sacrifices; and let the foundations of it be firmly laid, its height 60 cubits and its width 60 cubits, with three rows of heavy stones and one row of new timber. Let the expenses be paid from the king's treasury. Also let the gold and silver articles of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took from the temple which is in Jerusalem and brought to Babylon, be restored and taken back to the temple which is in Jerusalem, each to its place; and deposit them in the house of God'" (Ezra 6:3-5)

"Moreover I issue a decree as to what you shall do for the elders of these Jews, for the building of this house of God: Let the cost be paid at the king's expense from taxes on the region beyond the River; this is to be given immediately to these men, so that they are not hindered. And whatever they need—young bulls, rams, and lambs for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the request of the priests who are in Jerusalem—let it be given them day by day without fail." (Ezra 6:8-9)

One decree by a sovereign king made such a vast difference for many Jews and for the house of God in Jerusalem. It was through the sovereign decree and blessing of King Cyrus that the materials, manpower, and other provisions that were desperately needed to rebuild the broken-down House of God in Jerusalem were issued and released immediately. Through the blessing and decree of one king, their long captivity was over. Through the blessing and decree of one king, they prospered and received the guarantee of royal provisions. Through the decree of one king, their fortune and favor were instantly restored. If an earthly king like King Cyrus can decree such favor and blessings, and bring about such a paradigm change of fortune, just imagine what can happen when the Heavenly King makes a decree in your favor. He can turn your mourning into dancing and lift you from obscurity into prominence!

"You have turned for me my mourning into dancing; You have put off my sackcloth and clothed me with gladness." (Ps 30:11)

"Turn again our captivity, O Lord,, as the streams in the south." (Ps 126:4 KJV)

"You will also declare (decree) a thing, and it will be established for you; so light will shine on your ways." (Job 22:28)

"The centurion answered and said,, 'Lord,, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak a word, and my servant will be healed. For I also am a man und.er authority, having soldiers und.er me. And I say to this one, 'Go,' and he goes; and to another, 'Come,' and he comes; and to my servant, 'Do this, ’ and he does it. ’" (Matt 8:8-9)

Kings have the anointing, authority, and power to declare and decree in the spirit. Things happen when they exercise this authority under the anointing. The spirit and angelic realm recognizes and responds to true spiritual authority and anointing.

"Where the word of a king is, there is power; and who may say to him, "What are you doing?’" (Ecc 8:4)

"The Lord has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be commander over His people...." (1 Sam 13:14)

God made David a commander over His people. Kings are commanders-in-chief. In some measure, they have the power and authority to command and order things to be done. There will be times (provided the judgment is right and needed urgently) when kings will need to command and decree instead of wasting hours, days, weeks, and even months trying to debate and seek consensus on every insignificant policy. The person who is obligated to explain everything to everyone every time is not a king.

Kings have the anointing, authority, and power to declare and decree in the spirit. Things happen when they exercise this authority under the anointing.

There are times when hesitation, indecisiveness, and failure to exert one's authority will result in major losses and defeat. Therefore, there will be times when a king has to act decisively and swiftly.

8

The Dominion of Kings

"He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the River to the ends of the earth." (Ps 72:8)

"For he had dominion over all the region on this side of the River from Tiphsah even to Gaza, namely over all the kings on this side of the River; and he had peace on every side all around him." (1 Kings 4:24)

"So he reigned over all the kings from the River to the land of the Philistines, as far as the border of Egypt." (2 Chr 9:26)

"We, however, will not boast beyond measure, but within the limits of the sphere which God appointed us—a sphere which especially includes you." (2 Cor 10:13)

Excerpts from David Swan's book, The Davidic Generation:

The Hebrew word for dominion is radah It means to tread down, to subjugate, to subdue, to rule, to prevail against, to reign, and to take possession.

The spirit of dominion is the most powerful anointing to operate through a servant of God. It is the manifestation of the kingly anointing—the authority and power to rule in the spirit realm. It is an anointing that prevails.

After King David received the Divine Covenant (and the kingly anointing), he expanded his kingdom in all directions, conquering lands that the Joshua Generation could not possess.

The covenant promise given by God to Abraham regarding the possession of the land was finally fulfilled during King David's reign.

The first Adam lost the dominion when he sinned. However, the dominion was once again restored through Jesus, who is the second Adam. When Jesus (the Greater David, the King of kings) came, He manifested power and dominion over everything.

1.    His dominion over demons (Luke 4:36, Col 2:15).

2.    His dominion over the devil (Phil 2:10-11).

3.    His dominion over diseases (Matt 14:35-36).

4.    His dominion over death (John 11:25, Luke 7:14-15, Rom 6:9).

5.    His dominion over time and space (John 11:39, 11:43-44, Matt 8:5-13).

6.    His dominion over the elements (John 2:9, Matt 14:19-20).

7.    His dominion over the forces of nature (Luke 8:24-25).

8.    His dominion over the laws of nature (Mark 6:49).

9.    His dominion over all (Matt 28:18, Eph 1:21).

10.    His everlasting dominion (Dan 7:14, Rev 11:15).

The dominion was restored by the second Adam so that His Bride, the Church, (kings and priests), can have dominion, too. God desires us to become more like Jesus, not only in character but in spiritual authority and power.

Kings may have different spheres of influence— some smaller and some greater—based on their inheritance, length of reign, achievements, fame, or geographical locations. Kings with limited spheres of influence must realize that they will need to work together with other kings if they want to make a greater or global impact.

In this Third Millennium, we will see godly kings networking together and strengthening one another to obtain results that they can't possibly achieve on their own. It's wonderful to see the development of networks and synergistic efforts not only among the prophetic ministries, but also among the apostolic ministries. In this Third Day of the Lord, God is bringing the kings together to accelerate the work of His kingdom and fulfill His larger purpose for the world.

In this Third Millennium, we will see godly kings networking together and strengthening one another to obtain results that they can't possibly achieve on their own.

9

The Heart of Kings

"And God gave Solomon wisdom and exceedingly great understanding, and largeness of heart like the sand on the seashore." (1 Kings 4:29)

One unique characteristic of true kings of the Lord is largeness of heart. God gave King Solomon not only wisdom and exceedingly great understanding; He also gave him largeness of heart. What does largeness of heart mean? Some commentators describe it as the broadness of the mind in understanding. Note that the scripture did not say that God gave unto Solomon largeness of head but largeness of heart! There is more to 'largeness of heart' than just intellectual capability. King Solomon's largeness of heart has more to do with the bigness of heart and soul. It has to do with his large capacity and generosity.

Solomon was described as a person with a large soul. He had largeness of heart. Every thing that he did, from the building of the Temple, the palace, the furnishings, the serving of food on the table to the manner in which his servants and his palace officials were attired, evidenced the spirit of excellence, grandeur, and bigness of his heart.

A person who has a 'large soul and spirit' will have a greater capability and larger capacity to receive and draw from God. Let me illustrate this spiritual principle to you. The gasoline intake valve of a normal car is usually around two inches in diameter. It takes minutes to fill an empty tank with a normal gasoline station hose and nozzle. The Formula 1 racing cars are different. These speedsters are designed and built with huge fuel intake valves. The hose that delivers the fuel (which looks more like a large flexible pipe) at the racing pit stop is many times larger than those used at petrol kiosks. The large fuel hose and nozzle deliver a greater volume of fuel at a much shorter time. Therefore it takes only seconds for the F1 vehicles to be topped up with fuel.

A person who has a 'large soul and spirit' will have a greater capability and larger capacity to receive and draw from God.

It is the same spiritually. Those with a 'large soul and spirit' not only have a larger capacity to receive, but they also have the capability to receive things of the spirit in a shorter time! In computer terminology, they can download faster and download much more! We should pray for the Lord to enlarge and increase our spiritual capacity to receive and release blessings.

True kings are people with large hearts and big visions. They act with largesse. They are diametrically opposite of those who have a 'constricted soul' and are bound by the spirit of poverty and slave mentality. Such people will always have a nagging fear of insufficiency and lack. God will never commit Himself to, or count on, people with minuscule visions and constricted souls to do great or big things. Such people will see only the impossibilities and will always hesitate, or even never venture, to attempt anything of significance or import. May God raise up more people with the heart of kings.

True kings are people with large hearts and big visions. They act with largesse.

"I will run the course of Your commandments, for You shall enlarge my heart." (Ps 119:32)

National interest and the welfare of the people should be the primary concern of any good king. Kings need to have a heart that is filled with love. The love for God and people should govern and temper the application of authority and power. Love helps to provide the balance and curtails abuse of authority.

"The king's heart is in the hand of the Lord,, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes." (Pro 21:1)

Kings need to have a heart that is filled with love. The love for God and people should govern and temper the application of authority and power.

10

The Visions of Kings

"Come with me from Lebanon, my spouse, with me from Lebanon. Look from the top of Amana, from the top of Senir and Hermon, from the lions' dens, from the mountains of the leopards." (Song 4:8)

The visions of a king are never minuscule. They are usually BIG in scope and scale! Often they are of national and international proportions. Therefore, when God purposes to do something big, He usually uses the kings to execute the plan.

"He...sets me on my high places." (Ps 18:33)

"Look from the top of Amana... " Those who look from the top—the elevated place, the high place, and the heavenly heights in Christ Jesus—will often naturally have a higher and different perspective of things. They are able to see, envisage, and perceive things that those at a lower level are unable to grasp or comprehend.

Exposure to the ministry of kings will inspire you to dream bigger dreams and challenge you to develop larger visions. Their ministry will inspire faith in you to take the limit off God.

The visions of a king are not for the short term; often they are for the long haul. That is why they plan and work towards long-term goals.

The visions of a king are never minuscule. They are usually BIG in scope and scale! Often they are of national and international proportions. Therefore, when God purposes to do something big, He usually uses the kings to execute the plan.

11

The Wealth of Kings

"So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart." (2 Chr 9:22-23)

"The crown of the wise is their riches.... "

(Pro 14:24)

King Solomon is a type of the Lord Jesus Christ, the King of kings. Jesus is not only the Servant or the Lamb of God, but He is also the Possessor of Heaven and Earth. There are untold wealth and unsearchable riches and aspects of Christ for us to discover and inherit.

"To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ" (Eph 3:8).

However, the majority is incapable of handling great wealth if it is suddenly thrust into their hands. For this reason, God has to prepare and prove the kings before they can be entrusted with great wealth.

Kings have wealth but it is not limited to the fiscal realm and dimension only. The wealth of kings may be manifested in terms of possessing a wealth of expertise, experience, knowledge, wisdom, gifts, revelations, anointing, and other resources. Therefore, we do not judge kings based solely on their financial accumulation or material possession. Many of the 'rich and wealthy' are actually regarded as poor in the eyes of the Lord (Rev 3:17).

Having clarified that, a good number of the Third Day kings will be entrusted with the power and acumen to acquire and steward fiscal wealth while some kings will excel in other fields and ministries.

"Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God,.... then you say in your heart, 'My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth' And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth...." (Deut 8:11, 17-18)

Without the raising up of the ministry of kings, especially in the area of finance, there will always be a perpetual lack in the area of funding and finance in most churches. The constant financial constraints experienced by the majority of ministers in their ministries have frequently been a crippling and time-robbing factor where the work of God is concerned.

Often, much time and energy are expended in raising the needed funds when they could be put to better use. Many ministers are so stressed financially that their physical and spiritual health suffers. Some became so discouraged and were forced to quit the ministry altogether so that they could earn enough to feed and support their families. Very often the strain from the lack of finance frustrates their dreams and visions. They need the ministry and resources of kings to provide the release and relief.

The old and impractical method of financing the work of God's kingdom, which is being practiced in many traditional churches, has proven to be woefully insufficient and inadequate. The pauper mentality needs to be discarded and the system needs to be radically changed and totally reformed if we are to redeem time and keep pace with the accelerating move of God.

When the ministry of kings is activated and begins to function, it will generate and facilitate a greater release of resources and finance for the work and extension of God's kingdom in this Third Day.

During this Third Day, many kings who enter into the fullness of their call will be used by the Lord to release manpower, resources, and large sums of money to expedite the work of the kingdom and to reach nations. Some of these kings will be instrumental in releasing not only hundreds of thousands, but also tens, and even hundreds of millions for the extension of the kingdom of God. They will be God's end-time financiers: the Josephs, the Davids, and the Solomons. They will be true kings in the realm of finance.

Because finance plays such an important role in the ministry and the harvest of souls, the enemy will seek to target and stop kings in the realm of finance from releasing the resources. The enemy will always oppose and resist anything that will bring advancement and furtherance to God's kingdom. Therefore, there is warfare to be waged over the realm of financial release. That's why we have to pray earnestly and contend for these strategic ministries to be raised up and released to fulfill their function.

There is warfare to be waged over the realm of financial release.

It is perfectly possible to be wealthy and godly. Abraham, Joseph, Job, King David, and King Solomon, for example, were very wealthy people. There is nothing wrong with wealth; it is how we handle it. While wealth in the hand of the wicked can do much harm, wealth in the hand of the righteous can result in multiplied blessings.

Sometimes people envy the wealth and liberty of kings. They wonder why God would give them more when they already have so much. They tend to forget that before many of these people became successful, prosperous, and became kings, they had actually gone through many years of struggle, sacrifice, and faithful service. God will entrust much to the faithful steward. That is why the scriptures say, "To him who has, more would be given."

"For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him." (Matt 13:12)

"For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away." (Matt 25:29)

"His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord. ’"(Matt 25:21)

Some kings will possess such vast financial resources at their disposal that good stewardship will be one of their greatest responsibility and challenge. They will be accountable for all that has been entrusted to them by the One who appointed them.

"For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more" (Luke 12:48).

Very often, kings are able to reap abundantly because they have sacrificed and sowed abundantly over a period of many years.

"But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully" (2 Cor 9:6).

"Therefore David blessed the Lord before all the assembly; and David said 'Blessed ore You, Lord God of Israel, our Father, forever and ever. Yours, O Lord,, is the greatness, the power and the glory, the victory and the majesty; for all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and You are exalted as head over all. Both riches and honor come from You, and You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; in Your hand it is to make qreat and to qive strenqth to all.'" (1 Chr 29:10-12)

12

The Wisdom of Kings

"By me (wisdom) kings reign, and rulers decree justice. By me princes rule, and nobles, all the judges of the earth." (Pro 8:15-16)

"So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart." (2 Chr 9:22-23)

God gives to kings the spirit of wisdom. This may be the most essential gift for their office and function. The word of wisdom is the first gift to be mentioned in the lists of spiritual gifts mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12. Perhaps, it is to stress the importance and priority of this gift.

Kings need wisdom and discernment more than anyone else as the decisions and decrees they make will always invariably affect multitudes and the entire nation. Wisdom is part of the apostolic gifting. It takes apostolic wisdom to lay strong foundations and it takes wisdom to build the house of God.

"Divination is on the lips of the king; his mouth must not transgress in judgment." (Pro 16:10)

Kings need to know the Word of God by heart. A king's discernment, will be sharpened by the knowledge of God's word. God by wisdom made the earth and all that is in it.

"O Lord, how manifold are Your works! In wisd,om You have mad,e them all" (Ps 104:24).

"Your testimonies also are my delight and my counselors." (Ps 119:24)

"Oh, how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day. You, through Your commandments, make me wiser than my enemies; for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation. I und,erstand more than the ancients, because I keep Your precepts.’’ (Ps 119:97-100)

God gives to kings the spirit of wisdom. This may be the most essential gift for their office and function.

13

The Revelation of Kings

"It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter.

As the heavens for height and the earth for depth, so the heart of kings is unsearchable." (Pro 25:2-3)

It takes someone with the stature and status of a king to have a fuller understanding of another king. David, being a king, had a deeper insight and awareness of the King of kings while having a greater appreciation for Him too. Kings will have a greater comprehension of the majestic and magnificent aspects of the High King of Heaven. Kings are better able to perceive some aspects of God's kingly nature and royal ways.

In the Old Testament, God often communicates directly with prophets and kings through dreams and visions. At times it is to warn them, and at times it is to show them things concerning the future. Kings, therefore, must pay heed to some of the dreams and visions that are of the Lord. In the Old Testament, prophets work closely with the kings. King David had the wisdom to always include prophets and priests in his team of counselors.

These are some kings to whom God gave dreams and visions: Abimelech (Gen 20:3), Pharaoh (Gen 41:136), Nebuchadnezzar (Dan 2:1), King David (1 Chr 21:15-18, Ps 89:19) and King Solomon (1 Kings 3:5).

God will release revelations to and through kings in this Third Millennium. These revelations will be deciphered and understood by kings. "It is the glory of God to conceal a matter, but the glory of kings is to search out a matter".

God will release revelations to and through kings in this Third Millennium. These revelations will be deciphered and understood by kings.

14

The Strength of Kings

"But my horn You have exalted like a wild ox; I have been anointed with fresh oil." (Ps 92:10)

"God brings them out of Egypt; He has strength like a wild ox." (Num 23:22)

Some kings carry a strong anointing. Their spirit is strong, their prayer is strong, and they provide strong leadership. It takes the spirit, stature and strength of kings to overcome the corresponding high-level principalities and rulers of darkness. The stronger man prevails and the stronger man takes the spoils.

"When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own palace, his goods are in peace. But when a stronger than he comes upon him and overcomes him, he takes from him all his armor in which he trusted, and divides his spoils." (Luke 11:21-22)

"Or how can one enter a strong man's house and plunder his goods, unless he first bind,s the strong man? And then he will plund.er his house." (Matt 12:29)

One secret behind the strength of kings is found in the type of 'food' they eat. Kings do not live on junk food. They feast on kingly fare. They feast on the best and the finest. Kings feed on the strong meat of the word and revelations; kings feast in the presence of God. Thus they have strength and stamina to endure and persevere when others are quick to quit in the heat of battle. Strength is vital for winning many of the spiritual battles of life, especially the drawn-out battles. We need the spirit of might and power in order to prevail. Therefore pray that your inner man may be strengthened with might and power.

"That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man" (Eph 3:16).

"But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil." (Heb 5:14)

Strength is vital for winning many of the spiritual battles of life, especially the drawn-out battles. We need the spirit of might and power in order to prevail.

Another secret to the strength of kings can be found in the key words of the scripture above—'by reason of use' and 'exercised'. Just as the bodybuilders develop their strong and bulging muscles through constant weightlifting, the strength of kings is developed by the constant application of their gift, and their anointing through constant spiritual exercise in ministry.

"For You have armed me with strength for the battle; You have subdued under me those who rose up against me." (Ps 18:39)

Most kings have been given the grace and strength to shoulder a heavy load of responsibilities. The preparation they went through—the testing and trials—also help to make them tough!

Another strength of some kings is their capability in revelatory perception (ability to receive revelations).

Churches under the ministry of kings will be strong in the anointing. They will also be strong in the word, prayer, praise, worship, and intercession. They will be powerful in spiritual warfare. They will have the strong presence of God in their services and, often, they will be strong in finance too.

15

The Stature of Kings

"And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men." (Luke 2:52)

"Till we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ" (Eph 4:13)

Just as high priests of the Old Covenant reflected the image and ministry of the Great High Priest in heaven, prophets mirrored the ability of the Supreme Prophet. And kings are to reflect and reveal the image of the Chief Apostle, the High King of Heaven, the King of kings.

Certain aspects and revelations of the majesty and sovereignty of God can be perceived and understood better through the lives and ministry of kings. Kings thus bring forth some measure of revelation of the King of kings. In other words, the spiritual kings on earth help us to know more about the King of kings.

It takes a king to understand the honor and majesty associated with kings. When King David wrote about God's honor and majesty, he wrote with personal understanding and knowledge.

And kings are to reflect and reveal the image of the Chief Apostle, the High King of Heaven, the King of kings.

Mature and established apostles will have the spirit and stature of kings. People with the true stature of kings do not speak sheepishly or apologetically; they speak with kingly authority. Their voices ring with authority. Jesus spoke as one having authority. He taught with authority. If you are anointed as a king, then speak as a king! The person who speaks with authority will command attention and produce result.

"For He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes." (Matt 7:29)

Boldness, confidence, authority, and ease are distinguishing marks of kingly stature. A person with the spirit and stature of king carries himself differently.

16

The Judgment of Kings

"Therefore give to Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?" (1 Kings 3:9)

"A king who sits on the throne of judgment scatters all evil with his eyes." (Pro 20:8)

"The wrath of a king is like the roaring of a lion; whoever provokes him to anger sins against his own life." (Pro 20:2)

King Solomon prayed for the ability to discern between good and evil. One of the greatest needs of kings is to have accurate discernment. This gift has an important role in the office and function of a king. Without it, one will not be able to make good and sound judgments. Therefore, one of the most appropriate gifts that the Lord will give to godly kings is the gift of discernment.

One of the greatest needs of kings is to have accurate discernment. This gift has an important role in the office and function of a king.

"The Lord executes righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed" (Ps 103:6)

"Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints!" (Rev 15:3)

"For true and righteous are His judgments...." (Rev 19:2)

The King of kings is righteous in all His ways. A king's rule must reflect the righteous rule of God; they should rule with righteousness and administer justice with impartiality. It is part of a king's duty to deliver the oppressed and alleviate the sufferings of the poor and needy whenever he is in the position and has the power to do so. Proverbs 3:27-28 says, "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so. Do not say to your neighbor, go, and come back, and tomorrow I will give it, when you have it with you."

"A king who sits on the throne of judgment scatters all evil with his eyes." (Pro 20:8)

Certain things, such as malignant cancerous cells, must be excised as soon as possible to prevent them from spreading to the rest of the body. At times, for the sake and health of the body of Christ, or even the nation, tough decisions have to be made swiftly. Executing judgment is a function of kings. When it is done rightly, it has a positive and cleansing effect on the people, for the fear of God will be on them.

"Then Ananias, hearing these words, fell down and breathed his last. So great fear came upon all those who heard these things...

So great fear came upon all the church and upon all who heard these things." (Acts 5:5,11)

Making difficult and unpleasant decisions may not be something kings enjoy doing but it is necessary and crucial. However this does not give them the license to rule with an iron fist. Kings who administer harshly will lose the support of the people. Their actions and decisions should be tempered with wisdom, counsel, grace, and mercy.

"Mercy and truth preserve the king, and by lovingkindness he upholds his throne." (Pro 20:28)

"The discretion of a man makes him slow to anger, and his glory is to overlook a transgression." (Pro 19:11)

"Righteousness and justice are the found,ation of His throne." (Ps 97:2)

The foundation of a king's throne is justice and righteousness. How important it is for a king to practice justice and righteousness! Without these basic and foundational elements, the throne will not be secure and the kingship will not endure.

"The king who judges the poor with truth, his throne will be established forever." (Pro 29:14)

Since active kings are usually loaded with heavy responsibilities and have many matters to attend to, they must be watchful not to come under unnecessary pressures and haste that may cause them to err in judgment. Whatever a king decrees (decides) will inevitably affect the masses; the king's decisions and decrees must therefore be weighted and made in wisdom.

"Do you see a man hasty in his word,s? There is more hope for a fool than for him." (Pro

29:20)

A king's rule must reflect the righteous rule of God; they should rule with righteousness and administer justice with impartiality.

17

The Fame and Influence of Kings

"Then the fame of David went out into all lands, and the Lord brought the fear of him upon all nations." (1 Chr 14:17)

"Now when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to test him with hard questions. She came to Jerusalem with a very great retinue, with camels that bore spices, very much gold,, and precious stones; and when she came to Solomon, she spoke with him about all that was in her heart." (1 Kings 10:1-2)

"And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all kinds of sickness and all kind,s of disease among the people. Then His fame went throughout all Syria; and they brought to Him all sick people who were afflicted with various diseases and torments, and those who were demon-possessed, epileptics, and paralytics; and He healed them. Great multitud.es followed Him.—from Galilee, and from Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond the Jordan." (Matt 4:23-25)

David and Solomon were Israel's most famous kings. Their fame and influence extended beyond their lifetime and generation.

Usually, kings are high profile, prominent, and influential figures. They have the advantageous position of using their high-ranking office to influence and shape a nation's progress, both spiritually and economically. They have the unique privilege, position, and power to influence and impact an entire nation, or nations, for good or for bad.

King David was Israel's most renowned king. Fame is not necessarily bad; in fact it can be advantageous. Fame gives influence and has drawing power. You can be famous and use that fame to influence for good. The ministry of kings is highly strategic because they have the mind, money, machinery and manpower to influence the masses.

The billion-dollar advertising and mass communication industries are in a constant and incessant battle for influence. Corporations of popular brands and products invest heavily on daily advertisements and never let up in spending millions and even billions in the persistent professional promotion of their products. To them, the mass marketing of their products through engineered publicity directly influences the people's choice of purchase. This translates into greater sales volumes and bigger profit margins. To the marketing people, big influence equates to big sales and profits. Among the many professions, politicians usually are more adept in the art and science of mass communication, influence and manipulation.

There is a constant, unrelenting, and intense battle for influence in the world today. It is a battle for the mind, heart, and will of the people. We cannot abdicate from this challenge to battle for influence in some fields of life. God has given kings the power and position to influence the masses for His kingdom and glory. When God elevates and promotes a person, He does it so that the person can be of greater influence on earth for His divine purpose.

A person's reputation does go before him. Therefore, when God elevates you into the influential ministry of kings, you must use the strategic and influential position for the furtherance of the kingdom and glory of God.

"And I have been with you wherever you have gone, and have cut off all your enemies from before you, and have made you a name like the name of the great men who are on the earth." (1 Chr 17:8)

18

The Authority and Power of Kings

Today, there are kings and queens in some nations who possess only ceremonial power. In many countries, the real power to govern and administrate the nation lies in the hands of the parliament, the prime minister, or the president. Though some kings and queens may still possess the title 'sovereign' today, in reality, they do not possess the same degree of authority and power wielded by kings in Bible times.

To understand spiritual authority, one must learn from the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is not run by garnering the majority of votes. God's will, plan, and purposes do not depend on public referendum, congress debate, or senate approval. God is the true Sovereign.

When the ministry of kings is raised up and established, the Church of Jesus will move into a new level of spiritual authority and power. True spiritual authority and power will be exercised. Kings, especially, will exercise a higher degree of spiritual authority.

Some of these kings will be given such tremendous authority that, sometimes, when they decree a thing in the spirit while under the anointing, it will come to pass! "You will also declare a thing, and it will be established for you" (Job 22:28). God is placing tremendous authority in the hands of some of His people by releasing the kingly anointing in these end-times. When this true spiritual authority is applied, we will see greater results, as it will set things in motion in the spiritual realm as well as in the natural realm.

When the ministry of kings is raised up and established, the Church of Jesus will move into a new level of spiritual authority and power.

"There have also been mighty kings over Jerusalem, who have ruled over all the region beyond the River; and tax, tribute, and custom were paid to them." (Ezra 4:20)

Kings wield much power. Power can either be a great blessing or do much harm, so it must be wielded with great care. Power without control is dangerous. When you have much authority, it is so easy to abuse it.

Misapplied power can cause much harm and do irreparable damage. Thus discipline, self-control, patience, wisdom, and love are needed to temper the application of authority and power.

Therefore, one often has to go through years of preparation and seasons of breaking before God can entrust one with much authority and power.

The devil is a usurper. A usurper is one who seeks to take power or a position by unlawful means or by force. Lucifer the usurper sought to seize God's position but failed (Isa 14:12-15). This usurping spirit of the devil is manifested in one form as the spirit of rebellion. This spirit works in opposition against God's authority or representatives of His delegated authority. The devil hates and opposes the rule of God that operates through His church and kings. Kings who possess true spiritual authority threaten the devil and its works. Therefore the evil one will employ 'Jezebels' in its schemes to weaken kings. 'Jezebels' are forms of controlling and usurping spirits. They seek to undermine and weaken those in position of authority. Often these 'Jezebelic spirits' work through people who allow themselves to be demonized (come under strong demonic influence) because of their carnality.

Kings who possess true spiritual authority threaten the devil and its works.

Some kings may have to contend with many foes because of the satanic assignments arrayed against them. King David had his fair share of enemies to contend with. But God was with him and helped him overcome all his enemies.

"And I have been with you wherever you have gone, and have cut off all your enemies from before you, and have made you a name like the name of the great men who are on the earth" (1 Chr 17:8).

"Since the time that I command,ed judges to be over My people Israel. Also I will subdue all your enemies. Furthermore I tell you that the Lord will build you a house." (1 Chr 17:10)

Because of the spiritual foes that abound, dealing with rebellion and insurrection may at times be part and parcel of a king's job. Though no king relishes such unwelcome tasks, these challenges do arise. Moses had to confront Korah's rebellion, King David had to face Absalom's coup and King Solomon had to deal with Adonijah's scheming.

The spirit of rebellion that hates and opposes God's rule and authority is often vented upon the authorized representatives of the High King of heaven. Even God had to deal with a situation in heaven, when Lucifer and a large number of angels that sided with him rebelled.

"And war broke out in heaven: Michael and his angels fought with the dragon; and the dragon and his angels fought, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them in heaven any longer. So the great dragon was cast out, that serpent of old, called the Devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world; he was cast to the earth, and his angels were cast out with him." (Rev 12:7-9)

This challenge against God's authority will persist until God the Father makes His enemies the footstool of Christ. "The Lord said to my Lord, "Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool" (Ps 110:1). From time to time, the enemy will seek to challenge the authority of kings. The kingly anointing, also an anointing for subduing such spirits that seek to overthrow God's appointed authority figure, should be applied.

We need the kingly authority and anointing, otherwise, we cannot bind the corresponding 'kings and princes of darkness' with chains and fetters (Ps 149: 8-9).

People, in general, have to be on guard against the abuse of authority. More so for kings who are in such high positions of authority and power. It is so easy to misuse the authority and power entrusted to us. Kings must not lord over people. The authority is for serving and building up people.

"For even if I should boast somewhat more about our authority, which the Lord gave us for edification and not for your destruction, I shall not be ashamed" (2 Cor 10:8).

Kings possess some measure of authority, wealth, and power that can make some of our wishes and dreams come true. For example, some of them have the power to grant favor, open large doors of opportunities or grant promotions. Yes, they do possess much authority to bless at their discretion.

In 2 Kings 8:1-6, a needy widow appealed to the king for the restoration of her house and land. The king was able to restore those things that rightfully belonged to the widow because he had the power and authority to do so. The ministry of kings is important because, at times, there are certain undertakings only a king can perform.

Very often a person will not enter the fullness of his destiny until he meets with the divinely appointed person or persons. Joshua would not have had the anointing and spirit of wisdom to lead if not for Moses who mentored him and imparted to him through the laying on of hands.

"Now Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him; so the children of Israel heeded him, and did as the Lord had commanded Moses" (Deut 34:9).

King David would not have entered the fullness of his destiny if God had not arranged for him to come into contact with the judge, priest, and prophet Samuel. Elisha would not have received the doubleportion anointing without his spiritual father, Elijah.

Many of the ordinary fishermen from Galilee would not have become apostles if they had not followed the Master. Likewise, and very often, a person may not walk into the fullness of his destiny until he has come into a divine appointment and connection with one or more of these kings. Joseph was elevated to the highest office soon after coming into the divinely arranged appointment with Pharaoh, the 'King of Egypt'. Prophet Daniel was promoted as prime minister after a divinely arranged appointment with the 'King of Babylon'. Even heathen kings can be used by God to fulfill His divine purposes.

We need the kingly authority and anointing, otherwise, we cannot bind the corresponding 'kings and princes of darkness' with chains and fetters.

19

The Decisive Kings

Great kings are God's CEOs (chief executive officers). God uses them to execute His plans and purposes. They are discerning and decisive people who take decisive actions. That is one of the distinguishing marks and characteristics of true kings. A king who does not possess power to make decisions does not have true kingly authority. He is merely a figurehead, a puppet king.

One of the banes of many churches and leadership today is indecision. Much of God's work has been plagued and paralyzed largely by fearful and indecisive leaders who dare not make any decisions or take any risks. The lack of vibrant and living faith contributes towards their inertia, indecision, and inability to lead. These weak leaders are unable to make even simple decisions on trivial matters without going through many rounds of time-wasting board meetings. In many churches, the main authority and power is vested in the church board. Unfortunately, in many of these churches, the pastor or key leader is often unable to carry out the visions that God has given to him because he is repeatedly overruled, defeated, and demoralized by some of the controlling board members. The fast-moving, rapidly changing, and challenging world that we are living in today calls for bold, wise, and decisive leadership.

One of the banes of many churches and leadership today is indecision.

In apostolic churches, authority is restored into the hands of God's chosen and anointed. Apostolic churches are able to advance faster and do more and greater things, because the kings have greater freedom to exercise their spiritual authority. This can be seen from the fact that the fastest-growing and influential churches in the world today are the apostolic churches—churches whose kingly ministry and authority are restored.

Apostolic churches are able to advance faster and do more and greater things, because the kings have greater freedom to exercise their spiritual authority.

20

The Grace and Generosity of Kings

"Then the king said, 'Is there not still someone of the house of Saul, to whom I may show the kindness of God,?' And Ziba said to the king, 'There is still a son of Jonathan who is lame in his feet.'" (2 Sam 9:3)

"Then King David sent and brought him out of the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, from Lo Debar. Now when Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, had come to David, he fell on his face and prostrated himself. Then David said,, 'Mephibosheth?' And he answered,, 'Here is your servant!' So David said to him, 'Do not fear, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father's sake, and will restore to you all the land of Saul your grandfather; and you shall eat bread at my table continually.' Then he bowed himself, and said,, ’What is your servant, that you should look upon such a dead dog as I?’" (2 Sam 9:5-8)

King David was a very gracious and generous king.

He kept his covenant with Jonathan and showed mercy and grace to Mephibosheth. That's the very nature of Jesus. He is full of grace and authority.

"And King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba all she desired, whatever she asked, besides what Solomon had given her according to the royal generosity (1 Kings 10:13)

"Now King Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba all she desired, whatever she asked, much more than she had brought to the king.

So she turned and went to her own country, she and her servants." (2 Chr 9:12)

The scripture above says that King Solomon, according to his royal generosity, gave to the queen of Sheba:

a.    All she desired

b.    Whatever she asked

c.    Much more than she had brought to the king

The Queen of Sheba brought a lot of expensive and exotic gifts to King Solomon, but he out-gave her and, in the end, she took back to her country much more than what she had brought. Like the queen of Sheba, we can never out-give and out-bless our Heavenly King!

King Solomon's generosity and largeness of heart were clearly revealed in these scriptural accounts.

"And Solomon offered a sacrifice of peace offerings, which he offered to the LORD, twenty-two thousand bulls and one hundred and twenty thousand sheep.

So the king and all the children of Israel dedicated the house of the LORD." (1 Kings 8:63)

"At that time Solomon held a feast, and all Israel with him, a great assembly from the entrance of Hamath to the Brook of Egypt, before the LORD our God, seven days and seven more days—fourteen days." (1 Kings 8:65)

"Also King Solomon, and all the congregation of Israel who were assembled with him before the ark, were sacrificing sheep and oxen that could not be counted or numbered for multitude." (2 Chr 5:6)

In many areas of life, kings are in the position and have the power to bless. It is the privilege and pleasure of kings to bless. With the authority, influence, and resources at their command and disposal, they are able to bless in the manner befitting their office. When they bless, they are capable of doing it in a big way, by way of finance, favor or any other forms. When they give, they give with generosity and liberality. They give as kings. Many true kings can be identified easily through the liberal way they give to the Lord. I have known many people who are not wealthy in terms of financial possessions yet they possess kingly hearts. Because of their love for God, they are willing to sacrifice the little that they have. On the other hand, those who are not true kings will also be readily known by the miserly clutching of their mammon.

Those who think they are kings but are stingy and always withhold available resources for a good cause do not have the spirit and stature of true kings. You may call these people 'stingy kings'! Many churches would do well to learn from the ways of true kings as it will help to release the hoarded resources and expedite the work of God.

"Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so." (FTo 3:27)

Every true king will have the grace and gift of giving. Apostle Paul wrote about the grace of giving in 2 Corinthians. He said that the people in Corinth have done well in terms of faith, speech, knowledge, and diligence. He urged them to have the grace and shine in another area as well—the area of giving.

"But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you abound in this grace also." (2 Cor 8:7)

"For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich." (2 Cor 8:9)

"In the light of the king's face is life, and his favor is like a cloud of the latter rain." (Pro 16:15)

"Many entreat the favor of the nobility, and every man is a friend to one who gives gifts."

(Pro 19:6)

King Ahasuerus was willing to give to Queen Esther "until half the kingdom”. If King Ahasuerus can be so generous, how much more the King of kings. Romans 8:32 says, "He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things".

Understanding the generosity of kings will help us better understand the generosity of the King of kings.

Every true king will have the grace and gift of giving.

21

The King’s Business

"...because the king's business required haste." (1 Sam 21:8)

The king's business requires haste. Kings are fast movers. They have lots of things to accomplish. In this Third Day, God is releasing His 'kings' on earth. If the ministry of kings is not restored and released, the work of God will move at snail's pace while the perpetual lack of funds will retard people from carrying out the vision given by God.

Kings are fast movers.

God is accelerating things in this Third Day. Things will move at a much faster pace. Those who have learned to 'walk' must adapt to the 'running pace', and those who are already moving at 'running pace' must be prepared to 'soar and fly'! Part of God's end-time strategy is to raise up and release kings to accelerate and execute His divine purposes!

Some tasks will take ages to complete or will never be done at all if left in the hands of procrastinating and slothful people. Kings, however, will expedite the execution of the plans and purposes of God. The commission of the King of kings must be carried out and executed with urgency. Otherwise there will be a backlog of unfinished tasks, precious time lost, and golden opportunities missed. The accumulation of unfinished work or uncompleted tasks will produce unnecessary stress and frustration.

Part of God's end-time strategy is to raise up and release kings to accelerate and execute His divine purposes!

Kings need to appoint enough assistants (armour bearers) to help in carrying out the vision and lightening the workload. The lack of efficient and effective staff has hampered the ministry of many kings. It is also necessary to acquire the right equipment, machines, and technology that can help in redeeming time and multiplying ministries.

Those who are faithful and diligent stewards of the things of God will be made 'rulers'!

"His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord" (Matt 25:23).

Kings, however, will expedite the execution of the plans and purposes of God.

22

The King’s Counselors

"And the Lord spoke to Gad, David,'s seer...." (1 Chr ,21:9)

"Gad the king's seer, and of Nathan the prophet; for thus was the commandment of the Lord by his prophets." (2 Chr 29:25)

Gad was called King David's seer and Nathan the prophet was among King David's strategic core team. Through his acquaintance with Prophet Samuel and the exposure to his powerful prophetic ministry, David has developed an appreciation and recognition for the invaluable ministry of prophets. Therefore King David had the wisdom to include the ministry of prophets in his decision-making process.

Kings have to make decisions and judgments constantly due to the nature of their office. Often their busy office may not afford them the luxury of time to deliberate and decide on all the major and important issues. Therefore, a good team of mature prophets, advisers, counselors, specialists, and professionals with expertise and experience will be of invaluable help and resource to those with the ministry of kings.

"Now the advice of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if one had inquired at the oracle of God. So was all the ad.vice of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom."

(2 Sam 16:23)

Godly kings in the Old Testament roped in priests and prophets into their team of counselors. King David had Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet. Although kings and apostles are capable of flowing in revelation and have the spirit of wisdom operating in them, they are usually so busy and have so many matters to attend to that they just do not have as much time to tune into the precise things of God, as they would like to. Therefore, one of their greatest needs is to have prophets to help them hear the voice of God. It is also important for the king to surround himself with wise counselors and intercessors who will give him correct counsel and uphold him constantly in prayer.

"For by wise counsel you will wage your own war, and in a multitude of counselors there is safety." (Pro 24:6)

Kings need the help of good counselors to wage and win wars (achieving success in strategic matters). "Plans are established by counsel; by wise counsel wage war" (Pro 20:18).

23

The King’s War

"It happened in the spring of the year, at the time when kings go out to battle.... " (2 Sam 11:1)

During this Third Day move of God, the kingly anointing and office will be brought into greater and greater prominence. Kings should come forth and lead. Kings should come forth and bless the nations.

During this Third Day move of God, the kingly anointing and office will be brought into greater and greater prominence.

One important aspect and function of the kingly ministry (which is also an aspect of the apostolic ministry) is to unite the people. King David had this anointing to unite the divided northern and southern kingdoms. Therefore, the kingly anointing is also an anointing to rally and unite the people. Kings have the anointing to muster the people and armies of God for decisive action and battles.

King David won numerous distinguished battles in his life (1 Sam 17, 2 Sam 5:17-25, 2 Sam 8). But there was an unfortunate time when he chose to be laid back, in a season 'when kings go out to battle'.

His lapse in leading and doing battle, as a king in those days should, got him into big trouble with Bathsheba. Do not be an idle and indifferent king. For we have entered into a spiritual season when kings must once again take the lead and go out to do battle. It's the season for kings to take the initiative and be on the offensive against the realms of darkness. It's the season to take new ground and enlarge the boundary of kingdom influence. It's the season for kings to come forth and go forth!

Do not be an idle and indifferent king. For we have entered into a spiritual season when kings must once again take the lead and go out to do battle.

"The kings came and fought, then the kings of Canaan fought in Taanach, by the waters of Meggido; they took no spoils of silver. They fought from the heavens; the stars from their courses fought against Sisera." (Jdg. 5:19-20)

The hour that we are living in calls for strong, bold, unwavering, decisive, and dynamic leadership. Kings have the anointing to lead. When threats arise, and when the survival of a nation (or church) is at stake, kings must provide strong and unwavering leadership. They must be able to give directions, boost morale and inspire courage among their people. If the people sense fear and doubt instead of faith and courage, the whole army will be demoralized and half the battle would have been lost.

Kings must have the ability to muster and mobilize the people and resources. They have to know how to motivate and unite the people to focus on and fulfill the vision that God has given to them. In this Third Day of the Lord, God is bringing about a networking among kings. This will perhaps be the most significant and strategic network.

"Or what king, going to make war against another king, does not sit down first and consider whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand,?" (Luke 14:31)

Great kings are good strategists. A strategist is a person who plans and directs the whole operation of a campaign or war. Kings are strategy minded. They have the ability to see the big picture. They are like chess grandmasters who not only have the ability to play well-calculated moves but also have the knack of anticipating the opponents' moves.

Having good initial strategy alone may not be sufficient. Kings must also have a good grasp concerning logistics (the organization of supplies and services etc.) Bad logistics had caused the downfall and defeat of many kings and armies. Whole armies had come to a standstill, retreated, or were defeated when their vital supplies such as water, food, fuel, finances, ammunition, and reserves ran out! Poor logistics (other than the providence of God) was the main cause of Napoleon Bonaparte's failure in his disastrous Russian campaign. In the Bible, 2 Kings 3 gives us an account of three kings and their combined armies that went on a long seven-day roundabout march in the desert in order to attack their enemy by surprise. These three kings and their combined forces almost perished in the desert even before they can have a glimpse of their enemy, all because they ran out of water! Such is the importance of logistics.

Great kings are good strategists.

"So the king of Israel went with the king of Judah and the king of Edom, and they marched on that roundabout route seven days; and there was no water for the army, nor for the animals that followed them And the king of Israel said,, 'Alas! For the Lord has called these three kings together to deliver them into the hand of Moab. ’" (2 Kings 3:9-10)

God is raising up gallant kings who will take the spiritual initiative and who will win spiritual wars. These kings of the Lord will not wait to be attacked; they will take the battle to the enemy's gate. They will storm the 'gates of hell'. They will attack satanic strongholds just as King David attacked and captured the stronghold of the Jebusites. Samson had a powerful dimension of the kingly anointing— the spirit of might. Samson literally removed the gates from Gaza, the city of the Philistines. Once the gates that guarded the access to the Philistine city were gone, the city became vulnerable to attack and invasion. God is raising up kings and anointing them with the spirit of might to take the city gates! Satanic strongholds and strongmen are vulnerable to the anointing of kings, just as Goliath and the fortified city of the Jebusites were vulnerable to King David, God's anointed one.

God is raising up gallant kings who will take the spiritual initiative and who will win spiritual wars.

"And Samson lay low till midnight; then he arose at midnight, took hold of the doors of the gate of the city and the two gateposts, pulled them up, bar and all, put them on his shoulders, and carried them to the top of the hill that faces Hebron." (Jdg 16:3)

"may your descendants possess the gates of those who hate them." (Gen 24:60)

It takes the strength and stature of kings to defeat the corresponding principalities and rulers of darkness. This high-level spiritual warfare pits the kings of the Lord against satanic kings, and rulers of the Lord against the rulers of darkness! Those who are of a lower level of anointing and authority and are weak in spirit may be able to overcome some demons but they will find it difficult to prevail against the rulers and strongmen of satan. For this reason, God is raising up kings and generals (apostles and prophets) to lead in strategic-level spiritual warfare in these end-times.

"To bind their kings with chains, and their nobles with fetters of iron." (Ps 149:8)

It takes the strength and stature of kings to defeat the corresponding principalities and rulers of darkness.

24

The King’s Provision

"And when David had finished offering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord. Then he distributed to everyone of Israel, both man and woman, to everyone a loaf of bread, a piece of meat, and a cake of raisins." (1 Chr 16:2-3)

King David not only fed a nation, He also provided abundantly for the building of the house of God. He was able to do it because he had abundance. Those who live at 'poverty level' do not have enough continually. It is not good to have just enough because if we have just enough for ourselves then we will not have the power to bless others. Kings, however, have more than enough. They enjoy abundance. Therefore they have the power to bless and provide.

"He gave gold by weight for things of gold, for all articles used in every kind of service; also silver for all articles of silver by weight, for all articles used in every kind of service; the weight for the lampstands of gold, and their lamps of gold, by weight for each lampstand and its lamps; for the lampstands of silver by weight, for the lampstand and its lamps, according to the use of each lampstand. And

by weight he gave gold for the tables of the showbread, for each table, and silver for the tables of silver; also pure gold for the forks, the basins, the pitchers of pure gold, and the gold.en bowls—he gave gold by weight for every bowl; and for the silver bowls, silver by weight for every bowl; and refined gold by weight for the altar of incense, and for the construction of the chariot, that is, the gold cherubim that spread their wings and overshadowed the ark of the covenant of the Lord." (1 Chr 28:14-18)

"Now for the house of my God I have prepared with all my might: gold for things to be made of gold, silver for things of silver, bronze for things of bronze, iron for things of iron, wood for things of wood,, onyx stones, stones to be set, glistening stones of various colors, all kinds of precious stones, and marble slabs in abundance. Moreover, because I have set my affection on the house of my God, I have given to the house of my God,, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house, my own special treasure of gold and silver: three thousand talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and 7,000 talents of refined silver, to overlay the walls of the houses." (1 Chr 29:2-4)

In 1 Kings 4, we get a glimpse into the abundant daily provision of King Solomon. This passage of scripture paints a picture of great abundance. We serve a God of abundance. There is no lack in God's Kingdom.

"Now Solomon's provision for one day was 30 kors of fine flour, 60 kors of meal, 10 fatted oxen, 20 oxen from the pastures, and 100 sheep, besides deer, gazelles, roebucks, and fatted fowl." (1 Kings 4: 22-23)

Kings and apostles represent resources. They are resourceful people. Where the average person succumbs and crumbles under pressure, the kings have the resourcefulness to rise above it.

Kings and apostles represent resources. They are resourceful people.

25

The Pitfalls of Kings

"For riches are not forever, nor does a crown endure to all generations." (Pro 27:24)

"Behold,, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown." (Rev 3:11)

With so much authority, power, and wealth at their disposal, kings face more testing and temptations than the average person. Few would understand the tremendous load they have to bear unless they are in their shoes. That is why the choice and preparation of kings are beyond the ordinary.

Most people cannot hold the office and ministry of kings for long, unless the Maker of kings has prepared them. For this reason God often allows them to go through seasons of brokenness and intensive preparation before He can entrust them with much.

Kings possess so much power that they have to be careful not to abuse it. Some kings may be so strong and successful that they do not allow others to speak into their lives. At times, some kings will not hear from people of a lower level. This is one of the pitfalls that they may have to watch out for. Another area kings must avoid is sinful excess.

Therefore there is a need for other respected and recognized kings to speak into their lives.

"That his heart may not be lifted above his brethren, that he may not turn aside from the commandment to the right hand or to the left, and that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children in the midst of Israel." (Deut 17:20)

One of the greatest temptations that kings have to watch out for is the danger of pride and feelings of superiority. Therefore the scripture in Deut 17:20 says that kings are to know the Word of God and fear the Lord so "that his heart may not be lifted above his brethren." Apostle Paul exhorts us to have the mind of Christ and to esteem others better than ourselves. This is sound advice for all kings to take to heart.

One of the greatest temptations that kings have to watch out for is the danger of pride and feelings of superiority.

"But when he was strong his heart was lifted up, to his destruction, for he transgressed against the Lord his God by entering the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense.” (2 Chr 26:16)

"But Hezekiah did not repay according to the favor shown him, for his heart was lifted up; therefore wrath was looming over him and over Judah and Jerusalem." (2 Chr 32:25)

"Prid,e goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." (Pro 16:18)

"The words of King Lemuel, the utterance which his mother taught him What, my son? And what, son of my womb? And what, son of my vows? Do not give your strength to women, nor your ways to that which destroys kings. It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, nor for princes intoxicating drink; lest they drink and forget the law, and pervert the justice of all the afflicted" (Pro 31: 1-5)

"Did not Solomon king of Israel sin by these things? Yet among many nations there was no king like him, who was beloved of his God; and God mad,e him king over all Israel. Nevertheless pagan women caused even him to sin." (Neh 13:26)

"It is an abomination for kings to commit wickedness, for a throne is established by righteousness." (Pro 16:12)

26

The Glory of Kings

"So now it was not you who sent me here, but God; and He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt. Hurry and go up to my father, and say to him, 'Thus says your son Joseph: "God has made me lord of all Egypt, come down to me, do not tarry." (Gen 45: 8-9)

"So you shall tell my father of all my glory in Egypt, and of all that you have seen; and you shall hurry and bring my father down here." (Gen 45:13)

Joseph told his brothers that God had made him:

1.    A father to Pharaoh

2.    Lord of all Pharaoh's house

3.    A ruler throughout all the land of Egypt

4.    Lord of all Egypt

Wow! Joseph enjoyed tremendous authority, influence and power in Egypt, He was made a ruler and Lord of all Egypt. He also told his brothers to tell his father Jacob concerning all his glory in Egypt. Joseph's kingly glory was one of the main factors that drew Jacob to Egypt. Jacob had to find out all that he has heard. The time has come for the favor, blessings, authority, and glory to be revealed. It will cause others from even afar to come and witness the glory that God had bestowed upon kings and their ministries (Isa 60: 1-3).

Although the office of a king comes with heavy and awesome responsibilities; honor and glory come with it. Though there is a price to be paid for ministering in this office, there is also a prestige and eminence that comes with this high calling.

Those who abdicate from their kingly call and ministry will lose one of life's most precious and priceless blessing—the 'honor and glory' from God. They lose not only the present blessing, they will also lose out in their eternal reward and glory.

"I do not receive honor from men." (John 5:41)

"How can you believe, who receive honor from one another, and do not seek the honor that comes from the only God?" (John 5:44)

Those with kingly ministries usually stand out from the common crowd. Sometimes, some people may not want to accept this fact and therefore they react in a negative manner to these kings. The Scripture teaches us to give honor to whom honor is due. This is part of submission to God's extended authority. Honor the kings instead of envying or rejecting them.

"Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor." (Rom 13:7)

The time has come for the favor, blessings, authority, and glory to be revealed. It will cause others from even afar to come and witness the glory that God had bestowed upon kings and their ministries.

27

King David

"And Jesse begot David the king. David the king begot Solomon by her who had been the wife of Uriah. Solomon begot Rehoboam, Rehoboam begot Abijah, and Abijah begot Asa. Asa begot Jehoshaphat, Jehoshaphat begot Joram, and Joram begot Uzziah. Uzziah begot Jotham, Jotham begot Ahaz, and Ahaz begot Hezekiah. Hezekiah begot Manasseh, Manasseh begot Amon, and Amon begot Josiah. Josiah begot Jeconiah and his brothers about the time they were carried away to Babylon." (Matt 1:6-11)

It is interesting to take note of the above genealogy. Although many of the names in it were those of kings during the Old Testament times, the title was not affixed to their names except for 'David the king'. King David was singled out and accorded greater honor. This is because David was Israel's greatest and most beloved king. To the first-century Christian, King David was the greatest Jew who ever lived. This is understandable when one takes into account his myriads of outstanding achievements: his courageous feat of slaying Goliath, his authorship of approximately 70 Psalms, his string of sterling victories in the battlefields, the enlargement of the nation's boundaries and influence, his contribution towards the building of the temple, and his righteous rule. King David's accomplishments not only inspired the nation in his time, but they also inspired generations. King David's righteous rule and reign is a type of the kingdom of God.

When God wanted to bless a nation, He chose a king. When He wanted to select a king who will do all His will, He chose a worshipper. Why did God choose a worshipper for the highest office? It's because God can trust only a true lover. A true worshipper is a true lover. David was a man after God's own heart who will do all His will (Acts 13:22).

Prophet Samuel did not bring the Ark of the Lord into Jerusalem; neither did Saul when he was king. It was the worshipful King David who had the desire and honor to usher the Ark of the Lord to the capital and heart of the nation. The scripture tells us that King David died in a good old age, full of days and riches and honor.

"Thus David the son of Jesse reigned over all Israel. And the period that he reigned over Israel was forty years; seven years he reigned in Hebron, and thirty- three years he reigned in Jerusalem. So he died in a good old age, full of days and riches and honor; and Solomon his son reigned in his place." (1 Chr 29: 26-28)

"Also I will make him My firstborn, the highest of the kings of the earth, the most exalted of the king of the earth" (Ps 89:27)

King David's accomplishments not only inspired the nation in his time, but they also inspired generations.

28

The Kingmaker

"He removes kings and raises up kings.... "

(Dan 2:21)

"I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you." (Gen 17:6)

When Abram was 99 years old, God appeared to him and spoke concerning his future. Among the many remarkable things that He spoke to Abram was that kings would come from him.

Prophet Samuel played the role of a kingmaker. He anointed Saul and later David to be king over Israel. In truth, God is the ultimate Kingmaker—"He removes and raises up kings."

"Both riches and honor come from You, and You reign over all. In Your hand is power and might; in Your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all" (1 Chr 29:12).

He has the power in His hand to exalt or bring down. His sovereignty over all is clearly revealed in the book of Daniel. He is the Lord of the nations and Lord of all the earth.

"And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, ’I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will. ’" (Acts 13:22)

Saul was rejected as king and was removed by God. God then raised up David as king. God is THE Kingmaker. He is the One who is truly able to raise up kings.

There are those who are in a hurry to crown themselves king; and there are those who are given kingship by God. There is a big difference between the two. David was in no hurry to become king. He could have helped himself and killed Saul on a few occasions had he wanted a shortcut to the throne. But he bided his time. He would rather let God exalt him.

Kings will rise up and reproduce kingly ministry.

God is THE Kingmaker. He is the One who is truly able to raise up kings.

29

The Requirements of Kings

"When you come to the land which the Lord your God is giving you, and possess it and dwell in it, and say, 'I will set a king over me like all the nations that are around me,' you shall surely set a king over you whom the Lord your God chooses; one from among your brethren you shall set as king over you; you may not set a foreigner over you, who is not your brother. But he shall not multiply horses for himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt to multiply horses, for the Lord has said to you, 'You shall not return that way again.' Neither shall he multiply wives for himself, lest his heart turn away; nor shall he greatly multiply silver and gold for himself. Also it shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write for himself a copy of this law in a book, from the one before the priests, the Levites. And it shall be with him, and he shall read it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord his God and be careful to observe all the words of this law and these statutes, that his heart may not be lifted above his brethren, that he may not turn aside from the commandment to the right hand or to the left, and that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children in the midst of Israel." (Deut 17:14-20)

"Then Samuel explained to the people the behavior of royalty, and wrote it in a book and laid it up before the Lord." (1 Sam 10:25)

Very practical instructions were given to those who will wear the crown. Even kings have boundaries. They were required to know the Word of God by heart and had to copy the Word of God by hand. The Word of God is to be their standard and authority. Kings who disobeyed the commandments of God will experience vexation. This is one of the ways God disciplines them.

To whom much is given, much is required. King David summarized his instructions to kings in two main points. As recorded in 2 Samuel 23:1-4, King David said that he who rules over men:

a.    Must be just

b.    Must rule in the fear of God.

Now these are the last words of David. Thus says David the son of Jesse; thus says the man raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob, and the sweet psalmist of Israel: The Spirit of the Lord spoke by me, and His word was on my tongue.

The God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spoke to me: 'He who rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. And he shall be like the light of the morning when the sun rises, a morning without clouds, like the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain.' ( 2 Samuel 23:1-4)

30

The Prayers of Kings

The prayer of King Solomon:

"'Now, O Lord God, let Your promise to David my father be established, for You have made me king over a people like the dust of the earth in multitude. Now give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people; for who can judge this great people of Yours?' And God said to Solomon: 'Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked riches or wealth or honor or the life of your enemies, nor have you asked long life —but have asked wisd,om and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge My people over whom I have mad.e you king—wisdom and knowledge are granted to you; and I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings have had who were before you, nor shall any after you have the like.'" (2 Chr 1:9-12)

The prayer of King Hezekiah:

"For a multitud,e of the people, many from Ephraim, Manasseh, Issachar, and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet they ate the Passover contrary to what was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, 'May the good Lord provide atonement for everyone who prepares his heart to seek God, the Lord God of his fathers, though he is not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary.' And the Lord listened to Hezekiah and healed the people." (2 Chr 30:18-20)

The prayer of King David:

"Give ear to my words, O Lord, consid.er my meditation. Give heed to the voice of my cry, my King and my God, for to You I will pray. My voice You shall hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning I will direct it to You, and I will look up. For You are not a God who takes pleasure in wickedness, nor shall evil dwell with You.

The boastful shall not stand in Your sight; You hate all workers of iniquity. You shall destroy those who speak falsehood; the Lord abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man. But as for me, I will come into Your house in the multitude of Your mercy; in fear of You I will worship toward Your holy temple. Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make Your way straight before my face." (Ps 5:1-8)

Pray for kings and those in authority. It is said in 1 Timothy 2:1-2 that 'kings' and those who are in authority should be the special focus of our prayers. They need prayer and support more than most people.

"Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence" (1 Tim 2:1-2).

Some scriptures pertaining to kings:

"For the Lord Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth." (Ps 47:2)

"For God is the King of all the earth... God reigns over the nations; God sits on His holy throne." (Ps 4 7:7-8)

"Righteous lips are the delight of kings, and they love him who speaks what is right. As messengers of death is the king's wrath, but a wise man will appease it. In the light of the king's face is life, and his favor is like a cloud of the latter rain." (Pro 16:13-15)

"The king's wrath is like the roaring of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass." (Pro 19:12)

"He who loves purity of heart and has grace on his lips, the king will be his friend" (Pro 22:11)

"Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men." (Pro 22:29)

"My son, fear the Lord and the king; do not associate with those given to change." (Pro 24:21)

"Do not exalt yourself in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of the great." (Pro 25:6)

We crown You Lord of all

We crown You Lord of all King of kings and Lord of lords We crown You Lord of all

We crown You Lord of all We crown you Lord of all

O Lamb of God, Great Sacrifice We crown You Lord of all

Music and lyrics by David Swan

Recommended reading:

1.    Moving in the Apostolic

-    by Apostle Dr. John Eckhardt

2.    Ruling and Reigning on the Throne of David

-    by Apostle Dr. John Eckhardt

I am once again excited about the revelation David Swan is releasing through this current teaching. This is the time for kings to arise in every nation. I highly recommend “The Ministry of Kings” as an end-times tool for the church to come into the fullness of what Christ has anointed us to be.

Apostle Dr John Eckhardt

As an apostle with tremendous insight into God’s plan for His end-time church, David’s new book reveals a prophetic picture of the next dimension God is bringing His people into.

Apostle David has been uniquely anointed and appointed by the Holy Spirit to bring this rhema and revelation to the Body of Christ. There are not many who have tapped into the heart of God as my brother David, the Apostle of Worship.

David Swan is a dreamer of dreams and seer of visions, a down to earth man with his head in heavens. “The Ministry of Kings” is the “seed of his loins” and the “fruit of his womb”

Apostle Dr Henry Ramaya

DAVID SWAN is the founding pastor of Tabernacle of David, an apostolic, prophetic and worshipping church which has planted several outreach churches. He has ministered in and hosted apostolic, prophetic and worship conventions nationally and abroad. He has pastored since 1976 and has authored five other books, The Davidic Generation, Understanding the Spiritual Seasons of Life, Moving into the Holy of Holies, The Power of Prophetic Worship and Passion for the Glory. His books have been translated into several languages. Pastor David is president of the International Fellowship of Worshipping Churches and principal of the New Millennium Prophetic Worship School. Apostle David was ordained as an apostle by the Apostolic Presbytery Team of Impact Network USA, presided by Apostle Dr John J. Eckhardt.

Table of Contents

Introduction

1 Definition of Kings

2 Is There No King In Your Midst?—The Scarcity of True Kings

3 Abdicated Kings

4 The Kings of Judah and Israel

5 The Anointing of Kings

6 The Crowning of Kings

7 The Decree and Blessings of Kings

8 The Dominion of Kings

9 The Heart of Kings

10 The Visions of Kings

11 The Wealth of Kings

12 The Wisdom of Kings

13 The Revelation of Kings

14 The Strength of Kings

15 The Stature of Kings

16 The Judgment of Kings

17 The Fame and Influence of Kings

18 The Authority and Power of Kings

19 The Decisive Kings

20 The Grace and Generosity of Kings

21 The King's Business

22 The King's Counselors

23 The King's War

24 The King's Provision

25 The Pitfalls of Kings

26 The Glory of Kings

27 King David

28 The Kingmaker

29 The Requirements of Kings

30 The Prayers of Kings