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What is a Noble Subject?
Why do we call our Tribe, “Noble Subjects?”
I use the term "Subject" to differentiate our Christian experience from the cultural grid of a republic.
In a republic, we have citizens. Citizens have a whole lot of real and imaginary rights. Most people think that Lincoln's phrase "government of the people, by the people and for the people" is actually part of the Constitution when it is not. It is an excerpt from the Gettysburg Address.
In a monarchy, we have subjects of the king, and they have a high degree of responsibilities, and fewer rights.
The Kingdom of God is not a republic, and does not exist primarily to serve us. We are to serve the King of Kings and to advance the cause of the Kingdom, at the expense of our own lives if necessary.
Now, within the Kingdom, you have commoners and nobility. Those who are nobles have earned some rights because they have demonstrated loyalty to their King.
So we hold the two concepts in tension. First of all, we are subjects. We are devoted to the King and to His Kingdom and everything in our life is at His disposal to use as He sees fit, with no complaining about the pain.
However, we are not servile, or victims or carrying a poverty spirit. We are keenly aware of the immense privilege of serving THE Almighty, and know He is an extravagant God, who resources us with much for His kingdom. We claim no rights. We are subjects. But we walk in immense dignity. We serve the most bountiful King.
Copyright by Arthur Burk
August 2020
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Comments
Noble Subject
By : Susan C On November 6th 2020I can’t express my support of the term “Noble Subject“ in an intellectually precise way (and I’ve been blown away by some of the amazing comments so far!) but I would like to share my testimony concerning it.
A few months ago I was reading an article of yours to a friend. As I came to a part where you described us a noble subjects I got choked up. My spirit leaped at the description and I’ve treasured it since. I can’t even put into words why it means such a great deal - I just know it was a gift to realize the Lord might look at me that way and I experienced a deepening well of desire to follow and serve Him faithfully.
I thank you for sharing this keen insight.
What Is Noble Subject
By : Linda Melendez On November 5th 2020Arthur,
To be called a Noble Subject is honoring to both the King of Kings and to us. We are his "noble" subjects, and He is God. This term reminds us that God is God and we are not, and we belong to Him exclusively.
Not Pamela
By : DT On November 5th 2020In case you didn't notice, Arthur: This is NOT Pamela. I don't agree with what she's saying. You are right in what you say in the post. But I question what you're doing starting this debate this way. Maybe you're offended by what she said. You could have responded to her appropriately. You could have asked close friends for their feedback concerning this/ you if any. But you didn't do that. What you're doing indirectly makes her look bad because she doesn't agree with you. It is bullying. Emailed you a more detailed critique in case you want to post on Facebook and invite more 'support'.
Replied by : Arthur Burk
Grateful thoughts + response to one on 11-4
By : Janis Leal On November 5th 2020From an 11-4 concerned comment: “… sometimes I really don’t hear love coming from your heart in your tone… the tenderness in tone is missing.” Tenderness is not the exclusive expression of love, as God portrays clearly in many facets of His essence called “love.” I appreciate Mr. Burk’s multi-faceted expression of the heart of God that can only come from one who’s been wounded yet done diligence in both healing and a “long obedience in the same direction” - consistent, hard, intentional work that unveils God’s poly-variegated wisdom and multi-faceted essence of love.
Neither is a child the main expression of relationship with God. As a parent of many, having related in breastfeeding, diaper changing, spoon-feeding, many tender expressions, I would yet be dismayed and disgusted if they didn’t mature, if their God-design wasn’t developed with their God-destiny, if we didn’t grow in richer textures of intimacy. So we grow into "all the fullness of God" in noble glory through loyalty to Him distinct from "commoners" as Arthur puts it, not because we’re better but simply dedicated even through pain, like the Noble One faithful to us.
In “The Prince & the Pauper,” the pauper didn’t feel demeaned by the prince’s noble birthright. As for the prince, the true son of the King, he knew who he was. Nobility.
1 Cor. 1:26-28: “For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise… powerful… of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish… what is weak… what is low and despised in the world….” So paupers get to be the King’s children grown into productive sons made Noble. In this are relational nuances to add to others, like the fierce love of Bridegroom and Bride, etc.
I’ve been empowered, enhanced, amazed by Mr. Burk’s noble essence through many expressions of God-love, all reflecting the loyalty of a faithful subject, dedicated builder, and sincere son, among many other excellent things.
Replied by : Arthur Burk
Thoughts 2
By : Alex Skinner On November 5th 2020Hi Arthur
Nope, I definitely don’t see the mercy season as passive intimacy, rather an opportunity for proactive intimacy with God and going deeper into relationship with Him than ever before. It feels more permanent ie I don’t have to ‘come into His presence’ as I’m aware of it and live in it all the time. As I operate in Revelation, prophecy, deliverance, insight, etc it has a different feel and flavour now.
The pattern I’ve been observing in many others around me, and also experiencing first hand, is His focus on healing hearts and heart alignment with His heart.
Ruler season felt like it was about power and ruler-type ‘stuff’ but this season is feeling so different to that. I can’t succinctly put it into words because I’m in the middle of walking it out and sometimes it’s hard to to describe the process in words. The noticeable fruit of the process is greater levels of intimacy and oneness with God than before.
It’s making me wonder what ‘noble subjects’ looks like in the mercy season? I haven’t listened to everything that you’ve taught, written about recently so may have missed it, but I am intrigued to hear your perspective on heart and God and the mercy season.
This is an interesting discussion from all the people who’ve posted their thoughts, thanks for creating the space for this!
Alex
Replied by : Arthur Burk
I am a Noble Subject
By : Scott Harada On November 5th 2020Years ago, when you spoke of Noble Subjects, it immediately and fiercely resonated in my spirit. You eloquently wordsmithed something that had bothered me for a while but I had no precise language to grasp on to it. It bothered me how Christendom has been democratized in the United States of America. I am 4 generations removed from Japan and what remains of a sort of ceremonial monarchy. And the Kingdom of Hawaii ended 120 years ago, about the time my great-grandparents emigrated to Hawaii. I was well aware that God had a kingdom but everything I learned from church leaders sounded like God had a republic. Hearing your perspective of Noble vs. Loyal Subjects was liberating and empowering.
There was a period before that where I pushed back on the overemphasized "friend of God" theme. I embraced (what little I could of) the holiness, the mystery, and the sovereignty of God. That prepared a good landing spot for your teaching on the Noble Subject. I have, since, often referred to being Noble Subject and shared that perspective with others.
Replied by : Arthur Burk
&
By : Namaste Soto On November 4th 2020Arthur, I am learning a lot with your teachings. I have never been called a “noble subject” before. I understand the meaning as loyalty under our LORD’S Kingship and I am very happy to be learning how to be His noble subject. Is it possible someone thinks you are saying we are higher, better than the (mere) “citizens” and therefore unbelievers would be offended or possibly they may think you’re saying you are the king and we are YOUR noble subjects? I think there was a misunderstanding. I also have heard your teachings as direct, straight to the truth but tender at the same time. I have been blessed by your teachings. I need to hear them and I’m hearing love in them just as I do in God’s word even when feeling offended or convicted it is all love. The only struggle I’m having with this post is the “no complaining about the pain” I want this so very badly, not quite there yet, but will be one day! I m learning to embrace all the things that I struggle with here and now in my relationship with the LORD knowing, seeing where I want to be with Him and how He will get me there, KNOWING He WILL get me there, or exactly where He wants me to be with Him which is better than what I can imagine for us! Thanks for your teachings! Glad to be the King of Kings noble subject!
Replied by : Arthur Burk
Even more thoughts
By : Robin On November 4th 2020(Part III)
So as we see ourselves through all these different lenses, we should recognize that some of them "fit" better than others for now, depending on where we are in our spiritual journey, what our Church tradition is/was, our woundedness, etc. It seems intuitive that men will naturally relate to being "Sons" more easily than being a "Bride," and vise versa. So using one of them doesn't imply woundedness. It could be the natural fit of that person's design & personality, or it could simply be the particular facet he or she is trying to point out.
Third, the idea that we don't have any rights might seem off-putting at first, until we consider what a right is. Rights are a firewall against injustice. There is no possible injustice from God, and therefore we have no rights in our relationship with him. We are in complete submission to him, and receive unimaginable benefits as his subjects. It's better to be a doorkeeper in his house than dwell in the tents of the wicked. We DO have rights however, over against our Enemy, not in ourselves but because Christ won us those rights, and because we are co-heirs with him.
A few thoughts (cont.)
By : Robin On November 4th 2020(Part II)
Second, we should bear in mind that when the Bible spoke of sons to its original audience, it would not have called to mind a child on his father's knee. Rather, it would have called to mind a young man being trained and honed in his skills and strength in order to inherit the family business, protect his family, represent his father & his family in the world, etc. While it can be a helpful image to imagine ourselves as little children (and this image has Biblical basis, such as Psalm 131), that shouldn't be our only way of conceiving of ourselves in relation to God, unless we want to be incredibly stilted in our growth. If we are God's children, that means that, in addition to being able to rest in him as little children, we are also being trained, honed, disciplined, and encouraged in order to fulfill our calling in the world, and represent our Father well.
Replied by : Arthur Burk
A few thoughts
By : Robin On November 4th 2020This is such an interesting discussion, and I want to throw a few ideas into the mix. (Part I)
First, I don't think the different ways we think about ourselves (sons, children, brides, subjects, etc.) are mutually exclusive, and I don't think one replaces the other in any kind of continuum. In other words, we don't graduate from being subjects to being brides. Rather, all these images are analogies that help us toward understanding something that is infinite and boggles the imagination. Our limited human minds simply cannot grasp the immensity of God, nor can they wrap themselves around the nature of our relationship with him. All of these postures are like the different facets of a diamond. They are all true and shine God's truth in a particular way, but none of them are sufficient by themselves.
Replied by : Arthur Burk
Noble subjects - Captured it beautifully
By : Jane On November 4th 2020Thanks Arthur. Once again you have captured our thoughts so succinctly and beautifully. I am proud to be a 'noble subject' in the way you have expressed it.
Noble subject
By : Nina On November 4th 2020I’ve always loved the term noble subjects. However, in this Mercy season, I believe identification as the bride is essential. It is the spirit and the bride’s united beckoning that ushers in our KING. As a bride, I have largely misunderstood my role. I believe when we begin to embrace our identity as Co-heirs and one with Jesus, we will see a larger manifestation of Kingdom in our midst. Although it seems noble to call ourselves subjects, I believe it is imperative that we begin see ourselves as His temple. Only then will we truly be his hands and feet.
Replied by : Arthur Burk
*
By : Dana On November 4th 2020I first need to say that I have many times heard the tenderness in Arthur’s tone and the love that came from his heart both on the albums and in his relationships with people. So I totally disagree with what states the opposite.
Then, seeing God as a king and us as His noble subjects helps us remember who He is and that we are not just His children, which is the most commonly used name and statute, but implies a position of more reverence and responsibility, maybe maturity. I sometimes feel like many people tend to forget this and behave like spoiled children, like it would be all about us. Yes, we are fully accepted through Jesus and loved; we are God’s sons and daughters, sitter with Christ in the heavenly places at the right hand of the Father, walking in dominion from that position, but God is the King and we are not.
We are to find the balance between children and noble subjects just like we need to be aware that God is both love and a consuming fire.
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Noble subject of the KING
By : Cee On November 4th 2020Nope not demeaning. We are many things as in children of God, His sons, the Bride of Christ and I for one want to be a noble subject of my King Jesus ..."love is the primary goal" the person says but then shows none in her post here...interesting... "tenderness in tone is missing"...there is a time for the latter but a time like now to give people meat, to treat people as adults, yes trusting GOD as children would but not acting like children. You didnt want to minister to babies in the womb, that was GOD'S agenda for you and there is measurable, verifiable, sustained evidence of God's hand in that. Lots of arrogance in the person's tone and attitude towards you Arthur is screaming of lots of unhealed areas in that life.
Replied by : Arthur Burk
Thoughts
By : Alex Skinner On November 4th 2020Hi Arthur
Personally, I have never felt demeaned by you using this term. I always feel the immense respect and reverence that you have for God, as well as the dignity that I feel the phrase affords us.
That said, if one were being pedantic, there doesn’t feel like there is room for our sonship in the phrase ‘Noble Subject’.
Dictionary definition of Subject:
1 : one that is placed under authority or control: such as. a : vassal. b(1) : one subject to a monarch and governed by the monarch's law. (2) : one who lives in the territory of, enjoys the protection of, and owes allegiance to a sovereign power or state.
100% He is sovereign and King. And yes, we are His beloved Subjects. But we are also His kids and we get to sit on His lap and pull His beard around us whenever we want (at least that’s what I do) because He is our Father, too. We get to hang out with Holy Spirit all the time and Jesus is our bridegroom and Bestie! We reflect so much of Him because we are one with the three aspects of Him.
And so I wonder if it’s time for a new phrase? Noble Subjects feels quite Ruler season and I associate it with the Plumbline Ministries season rather than SLG.
As for the question of it being linked to possible wounding - that’s something only you can answer. I do know that the Mercy season is ALL about God’s heart and the revelation which is is flowing about that is immense. And we can all do with further transformation of our hearts, until our hearts full align and synchronise with His, so that His love can flow through us in ways we’ve not yet seen.
Alex
Replied by : Arthur Burk
On the name "Nobel Subject"
By : Erica Weaver On November 4th 2020My question would be why would "noble subject" not also encompassed being "like a child." The name "Noble Subject" captures more of our responsibility to be co creators with God. I feel that some times the name "Children" can stop us from entering into the responsibility of adding goodness to God's world. Perhaps there is a progression as God did show us with Israel he lead them as children caring for all there needs into the promised land where they then inherited were asked to "take possession" and grow without being spoon fed. The reality of God is both simultaneously. I think if it was a name taken up out of woundedness we would see an exclusion of other names the Lord has given us. Personally sometime I hear the name Nobel Subject and wonder if I live up to it. I ask Lord do you really see me that way? I attribute that to my own woundedness or lack of seeing how God sees me.
Replied by : Arthur Burk
Noble subjects
By : Sheila Kmoch On November 4th 2020In agreement with what you have posted - I feel so honored to be a noble subject! And a privilege to be entrusted with His authority, all the while remaining pliable and open to His on-going revelation of Himself to and in me.
Noble subject
By : Tanya Joubert On November 4th 2020What stood out to me was fierce loyalty,
dignity and as a result authority
(nobilty).And loyalty is a choice.
I do not sense woundedness here.
Only clarity.
Replied by : Arthur Burk
Nobles
By : Pamela On November 4th 2020While I understand your comment, the Father wants us to be like little children. Yes, we are small kings and lords, under our Messiah; but our first duty is to be like a little child to enter the kingdom of heaven. The Bible calls us saints and citizens and I believe your tone is demeaning, while you may not mean it that way; I welcome you to seek the Father if there is a need within your own soul where you cannot be a child with him. Your ministry has so blessed children, perhaps that is an unmet need in your own life. We are all on our journey to wholeness, but love is the primary goal and sometimes I really don’t hear love coming from your heart in your tone. You say all the right things, but the tenderness in tone is missing. Just being honest and addressing the saints as noble subjects has a bad taste to many. I love my Abba and savior and I see myself as their child.
Noble Subjects
By : Barbara Pera On November 4th 2020I love this! It brings me great joy and a shout of Amen! I serve at His command.
Excellent
By : Tillie Bogard On November 4th 2020Thank you for wording it so excellently, so precise .
Thank you for blessing me (and the Tribe) with your gift.
Thank you for who you are in His Kingdom!
You are highly appreciated.
TillieB
Immense Dignity
By : Ethelwon Bosman On November 4th 2020Dear Dr Burke, thank you for your Teaching. How does one walk in Immense Dignity. I need that. I've battled a False identity for years and am now renewing my mind with the Word. I really need a Revelation of who Father is and who I am. Thank you. God bless you and your Ministry.
Ethelwon
Replied by : Arthur Burk
Noble Subjects
By : Carol Trago On September 3rd 2020Thank you for the encouragement. I don't always comment on what I am learning through SLG because I still have a hard time expressing myself by writing. Thank you for who you are in the Kingdom of God. You are appreciated and loved!
Blessings,
Carol Trago
Wonderful reframing
By : Cynthia Harris On September 3rd 2020So - in a Republic, the citizens are horizontally oriented - peers governing peers. Personal interests. Entitlement. Injustice.
And, as subjects of the King, we are vertically oriented - subjects who want only to express the design and worth of the King within the kingdom. Dignity. Abundance. Sonship.
This is wonderful to ponder on. Thanks for this post.
And for the tagline at the bottom of the page - I think "Noble Subjects" masterfully summarizes all these ideas.
....and it is quite the priviledge and quite the honor
By : Charmine (Chayil) Carpenter On August 29th 2020Well said, Sir Arthur! Reading this has made me to realize that GOD is the Great KING and there's nobody and nothing such as His KINGship!! Very Encouraging!! May GOD continue to do exceedingly, abundantly, all you can ask or think...in Jesus name.
Your mail on noble subjects
By : Frieda On August 29th 2020Everything i read in your stuff helps me to give words, to see better or in a new way.....i loooove the word here..." extravagant God"....makes Him bigger than we can possbly think of, in all directions, from creativity, to " how much ", new ways we can not think of....
Thank you
Rights
By : Sandy Stetz On August 27th 2020It is a privilege to be a subject.
Subjects are granted the right to suffer.
As Christians, we think suffering is to be avoided at all costs.
Too often our American view of “rights” extends into the Church as a whole.
We have rights. We have access to the Father at all times. We have an eternal “hope of glory” and much more.
We do not have the right to direct our own paths or choose how we might like to suffer “for Christ”.
We are seated with Him in heavenly places and we do have authority on the earth.
But we must be inclined to ask ourselves, whose will, am I doing today?
Although we are sons as well as subjects, our thoughts should center on Him.
I have a friend who was a missionary for 50 years. He told me that he starts each day, asking, Holy Spirit, what do you want to do today and how can I help?
Yes and Amen!
By : Sharron On August 27th 2020I love this! I am proud to be a 'subject ' of our Most High King!
Thanks!
By : Renée On August 27th 2020Put so well, as always, especially mentioning the privilege we have. Thanks!