The Gradual and the Abrupt - Part 1

When we look at King David's kingdom (1 & 2 Samuel), we see that it is characterized by gradual growth and abrupt growth. Initially David was nobody, and then Samuel came and anointed him as king, and abruptly God's intention for him was made public. Over the next several years his influence waxed and waned in the eyes of king Saul, his own family, the Israelites, the Philistines, and his followers. But in general his reputation and influence gradually increased. Then abruptly he became king of the tribe of Judah. Over the next seven years there was war between Judah and the rest of Israel, with David gradually increasing in power. Then abruptly the war ended and David became king over all of Israel. Then gradually David's kingdom grew to encompass the enemies and neighbors of Israel.

We can see the gradual and the abrupt in other places in Scripture. In the story of Joseph (Gen 37-50), Joseph gradually grew in favor, influence, and responsibility in the household of the captain of the guard. Then that was abruptly terminated. Then he gradually grew in favor, influence, and responsibility in the prison, and he gradually grew in influence among the servants of Pharaoh. Then abruptly he became governor of all of Egpyt.

In the book of Daniel, four young Israelite men are captured and taken to Babylon. In humility they submit, and are trained by the Babylonians, but they remain fiercely faithful to their God. Over time they gradually obtain positions of responsibility. In Daniel 2, Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, has a dream. When Daniel correctly interprets the dream, he abruptly becomes ruler over the entire province of Babylon, and his compatriots--Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego become high officials. Apparently after Nebuchadnezzar's demise, Daniel loses his position. In Daniel 5, a later king, Belshazzar, abruptly gives Daniel the third highest position in his kingdom, but that only lasts a few hours, because the Persians capture the city. But then Daniel gains great influence under King Cyrus.

In the book of Esther we see that Mordecai, a Jew who is faithful to God and to the king of Persia, abruptly rises from obscurity to become the second in rank after the king of Persia (Esther 10:3).

Can we expect a pattern of gradual and abrupt growth in Christ's kingdom? Can we expect temporary setbacks but eventual supremacy?