"Fear Not, Little Flock"
It is easy to forget what we have because we are part of the kingdom. When I see a beautiful building, I imagine it as a school or library that is dedicated to Christian work. When I see fabulous wealth, I remember that all is God’s and that He allocates it at will.
- Mark R. Rushdoony,
Discouragement and anxiety are constant temptations to us because we are mortals in a fallen world. Part of the curse we live with is the “thorns and thistles” that grow up and seem to threaten to destroy all our efforts. It is all too easy to point out the evils of this life, the failures of men, and the contempt of men for the things of God.
Jesus knew there was cause for a negative perspective, because man in sin has no positive hope in life. To the believer, however, there is a reality that should cause discouragement to give way to hope and optimism. Late in His ministry, Jesus strongly denounced the Pharisees and Scribes for their hypocrisy, after which they determined on a very strong opposition to Him. Imagine the effect this had on the disciples. The opposition of the most powerful religious groups was now set firmly against Jesus. As yet, they could not see how this would work out well.
Jesus then spoke to them at length about their course in the face of this opposition (Luke 12:1-13:9). In the midst of this he said, “Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”
A kingdom? The disciples were concerned about the immediate hostility of the religious leaders, yet Jesus pointed them to the kingdom of heaven.
It is easy to forget what we have because we are part of the kingdom. When I see a beautiful building, I imagine it as a school or library that is dedicated to Christian work. When I see fabulous wealth, I remember that all is God’s and that He allocates it at will.
Yet at the same time, I face the very real prospects of empty bank accounts, bills, and needed repairs. It is natural to wonder why, but we must remember that we, in fact, are part of the kingdom, which is bigger than ever, and yet growing. Because God cannot lose, we are on the winning side – the kingdom of God. So, we fear not.
Our supporters assist in the enabling of Chalcedon’s ministry. We ask all those who judge us faithful, to continue to support us in our kingdom work.
- Mark R. Rushdoony
Mark R. Rushdoony graduated from Los Angeles Baptist College (now The Master’s College) with a B.A. in history in 1975 and was ordained to the ministry in 1995.
He taught junior and senior high classes in history, Bible, civics and economics at a Christian school in Virginia for three years before joining the staff of Chalcedon in 1978. He was the Director of Chalcedon Christian School for 14 years while teaching full time. He also helped tutor all of his children through high school.
In 1998, he became the President of Chalcedon and Ross House Books, and, more recently another publishing arm, Storehouse Press. Chalcedon and its subsidiaries publish many titles plus CDs, mp3s, and an extensive online archive at www.chalcedon.edu. His biography of his father will be published later this year (2024).
He has written scores of articles for Chalcedon’s publications, both the Chalcedon Report and Faith for all of Life. He was a contributing author to The Great Christian Revolution (1991). He has spoken at numerous conferences and churches in the U.S. and abroad.
Mark Rushdoony has lived in Vallecito, California, since 1978. His wife, Darlene, and he have been married since 1976. His youngest son still resides with him. He has three married children and nine grandchildren.