One of the most powerful and audacious declarations and affirmations in the Bible is written in Revelation: "The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever." (Revelation 11:15b) The invisible - yet visible - kingdom of God is present in the world today, yet we anticipate it coming in the fulness of its glory in its appointed time. Every time we pray the Lords prayer we utter the very words our Lord Jesus uttered. Jesus, the King of kings, disclosed that the kingdom of heaven is like a banquet and a great wedding feast, but the door will be closed on some. The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field; you would be wise to sell everything you own to buy that field to get the treasure. The kingdom of heaven is like a net cast wide; it pulls in all sorts of fish, and the good fish must be separated from the bad. The kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who hired laborers to work in the fields. He hired them at different times of day, but at the end of the day, he paid them all equally. The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, as from a small beginning comes a great tree. The kingdom of heaven is like yeast in that it permeates all, silently and pervasively. The theme, "Kingdom of God" was the pivotal, central, and rudimentary theme in the proclamation and the teaching of our Lord Jesus. He dropped comments here and there about the kingdom. For example, He said that the kingdom of heaven is hard for the rich to enter (Mark 10:23-25), and that the kingdom must be received as a child (Mark 10:15). He said that not everyone who says "Lord, Lord" will enter the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 7:21). We should seek the kingdom first, and then worldly needs such as food and clothing will be given to us (Matthew 6:33). Before his crucifixion, Jesus told his disciples he would not drink or eat again with them until he was in his kingdom (Mark 14:25). He said that if your eye or hand prevents you from entering the kingdom, pluck it out or cut it off (Mark 9:47). Jesus said that a great reversal is coming: harlots and tax collectors will enter the kingdom before the Pharisees (Matthew 21:31).
God's kingdom is the place that perfectly reflects the character and values of the King. It is the place where things operate the way he likes them. It is a place of joy, truth, grace, health, light, and shalom. God's kingdom is a good place because he is good. No wonder one hymn writer said, "I love thy kingdom, Lord, the house of thine abode." No wonder another writer said, "His kingdom is glorious; he rules over all." Another said, "Within the kingdom of his might, lo, all is just and all is right. To God all praise and glory."
In referencing the kingdom of God throughout the Bible, it is written, "How awesome is the Lord Most High, the great King over all the earth!"(Psalm 47:2), and, "But you, O God, are my king from of old; you bring salvation upon the earth." (Psalm 74:12). David said, "Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor, for everything in heaven and earth is yours. Yours, O Lord, is the kingdom; you are exalted as head over all." (I Chronicles 29:11-12). The kingdom of God is here, but it is not yet what it shall be so, in a sense, it is already, but not yet. That's why Jesus taught us to pray that the kingdom would come to earth just as it is in heaven. I like the way Pastor John Ortberg put it: "May up there come down here." In other words, we pray, "May your sphere of authority, O God, be extended to this earth. Please arrange things down here just as you do up there. May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. May up there come down here."
"There is none like thee among the gods, O Lord, nor are there any works like thine. All the nations thou hast made shall come and bow down before thee, O Lord, and shall glorify thy name. For thou art great and doest wondrous things, thou alone art God. Teach me thy way, O LORD, that I may walk in thy truth; unite my heart to fear thy name. I give thanks to thee, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify thy name for ever." (Psalm 86:8-12)
Praise the Lord for the wonder-filled and stunning summer. It is gorgeous and glorious all around us. Praise the Lord for this weekend. America the beautiful as a nation is gearing up to celebrate its Independence on July 4. People are in overdrive as they are getting ready to celebrate this special day and the event in the life of the nation. Many of the nations celebrate their Independence by displaying their military might, parading weapons of mass destruction, but in America, we celebrate Independence Day with mega Fireworks, concerts, picnics, and getting involved in many community projects.
Many millions will be making their pilgrimages to the lakes, rivers, and mountains for vacations, hiking and camping. Many more will be gathering for family outings, boating, feasting, and picnics. This is also the season for parties, celebrations, weddings, graduations, and anniversaries. Praise the Lord for the vastness and great expanse of of our nation. People can travel and go places without fear and intimidations.
"I sought for the greatness and genius of America in her commodious harbors and her ample rivers – and it was not there . . . in her fertile fields and boundless forests and it was not there . . . in her rich mines and her vast world commerce – and it was not there . . . in her democratic Congress and her matchless Constitution – and it was not there. Not until I went into the churches of America and heard her pulpits aflame with righteousness did I understand the secret of her genius and power. America is great because she is good, and if America ever ceases to be good, she will cease to be great.”
― Alexis de Tocqueville, De
