KINGDOM OF GOD The kingdom of God or the kingdom of heaven is basically the only message Jesus preached. In Matthew alone the word “Kingdom” occurs some 41 times. But His message was and is, still in some circles, misunderstood. The Jewish nation, Israel, was expecting a political kingdom that ruled the world under their Messiah. Even Herod shared that same notion and tried to kill every baby in Bethlehem, because he thought the Christ’s kingdom would be a rival kingdom against his own. and when Jesus gave no indication of being that kind of king John started doubting if Jesus was the Messiah after all. The Twelve Disciples shared the same notion till after the resurrection. The last question they asked Jesus was, “Lord, will you now restore the kingdom to Israel?” Their minds were on political independence for their country, not personal eternal salvation. What was this kingdom of God or kingdom of heaven that Jesus came to establish? Jesus came to rule and reign in the hearts of men and through their hearts transform their lives. The human heart is the realm in which Jesus came to reign to make all mankind love Him. And why love Him? Out of an affection-for Him, a devotion-to Him, an adoration-of Him, will grow all the beauty and comfort of life, the transformation of character, the regeneration of the soul. The word “kingdom” used in the New Testament sometimes means the reign of God in the individual. Sometimes, the general reign of righteousness among men. Sometimes, the church. Sometimes, Christendom. Sometimes, the millennial reign. Sometimes, heaven. The basic idea of the word implies Jesus’ dominion in the hearts of His people through all dispensation, onward into eternity, with special reference, at times, to one or another of its various aspects or stages. If you can accept this, Jesus’ message was about a King, a Kingdom and His Kids!
|
