“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). While people have recited these words at churches across the globe for centuries (as part of the Lord’s Prayer), have you ever wondered what “your kingdom come” really means?
Today, much of the news is consumed with protests. Whether you live in the United States, Russia, or Africa, every kingdom has issues. When Jesus walked the earth, Rome had issues and the Jewish people were at the forefront of the protests. Amid the drama, Jesus taught about a new kingdom, described in the Psalms as an everlasting kingdom which rules over all and endures throughout all generations (Psalm 103:19 and Psalm 145:13).
In this blog, we going to examine some of the most important aspects of the Kingdom of God.
1. The Kingdom of God
Jesus had much to say about the Kingdom of God. First, He said the Kingdom of God is not of this world (John 18:36). Jesus described the Kingdom of God as being inclusive like a net being thrown into the sea gathering fish of every kind (Matthew 13:47). He proclaimed that the Kingdom of God was valuable like a fine pearl being found by a merchant who sold everything he had to buy it (Matthew 13:45-46). Jesus foretold that the Kingdom of God would be expansive giving examples of a mustard seed growing into a large tree and yeast being mixed into flour and worked through dough (Luke 13:18-20).
2. Who can participate in the Kingdom?
Everyone has been invited to participate in the Kingdom, but an RSVP is required. In Matthew 22, Jesus told a parable about a king who threw a wedding banquet for his son. Many were invited to partake in the celebration, but they refused to do so – indicating that they had “other” priorities.
The father was so upset, he extended the invitation to people “on the street”. Everyone was welcome. The banquet hall was full. But here’s the deal, one of the attendees who went to the banquet was not dressed for the occasion. In other words, he didn’t take the celebration seriously. It was just another party to attend. So, the king had him kicked out of the celebration. At the end of the story, Jesus makes a sobering statement, “many are called (invited), but few are chosen (accept the invitation)”.
3. What Does it Mean to be Chosen for the Kingdom of God?
According to Ellicott’s Commentary, the Kingdom of God is for “those who both accept the invitation and comply with the conditions”.
Peter, one of the twelve disciples, expanded on the idea of being chosen for the Kingdom of God:
- We are chosen by the Father
- Sanctified by the Holy Spirit
- To be obedient to Christ
In Mark 1:15 (ESV), Scripture says:
The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.
4. How can you Participate in the Kingdom?
To participant in the Kingdom of God, you must repent of your sins and believe in the gospel. John 3:16-17 (NIV) says,
For God so loved the world that he gave his one any only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
Once you repent and believe, you become part of a royal priesthood and a holy nation. This world is only a temporary home. When Jesus returns, you will reign with him.
In Revelation 5:9-10 (ESV), Scripture says:
… by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth”.
God is making everything new and we will have a special job in His Kingdom. We won’t be sitting on clouds listening to harp music.
To the contrary, in 1 Corinthians 6:2 (NIV), Scripture says:
… do you know that the Lord’s people will judge the world?
Sounds like a huge responsibility! Until then, I would like to encourage you to focus on the greater things of God and avoid getting trumped by the cares of this world.
Have you put your trust in Jesus?
If you would like to learn more about the Kingdom of God, check out my book Rediscovering the Divine: Seeing God in a Whole New Way.
O really enjoy reading your words