Studies In The Kingdom Of God

Volume 1: Chapter 4: The Foundation of His Throne

The Character of the Kingdom

"The Lord reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the many islands be glad. Clouds and thick darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne." Psalm 97:2 (emphasis mine)

"Thus says the Lord, "Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches; but let him who boasts boast of this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on earth; for I delight in these things," declares the Lord." Jeremiah 9:23-24 (emphasis mine)

In the movie, "Gladiator", the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius is ill and very near death. Knowing that he will soon die, the emperor begins to "set his house in order" by taking the steps to set in place and announce his successor. The emperor calls for his trusted general, General Maximus, and proceeds to tell Maximus that he wants to establish him as the next emperor of Rome. He tells Maximus that the reason he wants him to be the next emperor is so Maximus can return the rule of Rome back to the Senate, making it a republic again.

When Maximus asks the emperor why he is not establishing his son, Commodus, as the next emperor, he is told that Commodus lacks the necessary character qualities or virtues to be emperor. Marcus Aurelius tells Maximus that Commodus must not rule. Later, when the emperor meets with his son, Commodus, to inform him of his decision to name Maximus as the next emperor, Commodus responds, in this dialogue:

Marcus Aurelius: "Are you ready to do your duty for Rome?"

Commodus: "Yes, father."

Marcus Aurelius: "You will not be emperor."

Commodus: "Which wiser, older man is to take my place?"

Marcus Aurelius: "My powers will pass to Maximus, to hold in trust until the Senate is ready to rule once more. Rome is to be a republic again."

Commodus: "Maximus?"

Marcus Aurelius: "Yes. My decision disappoints you?"

Commodus: "You wrote to me once, listing the four chief virtues: Wisdom, justice, fortitude and temperance. As I read the list, I knew I had none of them. But I have other virtues, father. Ambition. That can be a virtue when it drives us to excel. Resourcefulness, courage, perhaps not on the battlefield, but... there are many forms of courage. Devotion, to my family and to you. But none of my virtues were on your list. Even then it was as if you didn't want me for your son."

Marcus Aurelius: "Oh, Commodus. You go too far."

Commodus: "I search the faces of the gods...for ways to please you, to make you proud. One kind word, one full hug...where you pressed me to your chest and held me tight, would have been like the sun on my heart for a thousand years. What is it in me that you hate so much?"

Marcus Aurelius: "Shh, Commodus."

Commodus: "All I've ever wanted was to live up to you, Caesar. Father."

Marcus Aurelius: [Marcus Aurelius gets down on his knees] "Commodus. Your faults as a son, is my failure as a father. Come..."
[Gives Commodus a hug]

Commodus: [Commodus hugs Marcus and cries] "Father. I would have butchered the whole world... if you would only love me! " [Commodus begins to asphyxiate Marcus while they hug, Marcus grunts and dies]