The Kingdom of God

A kingdom’s central figure is the king. He is the sovereign ruler and his authority establishes the kingdom. The king is also a lord, which means he personally owns EVERYTHING within his domain – including the people in it. The rights and privileges of the citizens of a kingdom are extended at the graces and mercies of the king. Furthermore, a king is not voted into power, nor can he be voted out or impeached. If the king is wicked, the people suffer.

The kingdom of God is a very real kingdom. It is even more real than the country you currently live in. Every kingdom has the following elements:
• A king
• A territory
• A constitution
• Citizens
• An army
• A code of ethics
• A commonwealth
• A social culture

God’s kingdom is no different. It is only with a kingdom paradigm that Isaiah’s prophecy becomes clearer: For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will perform this. (9:6-7)

Your president will still sleep well at night whether you get to pay your utility bills or not, whether you have a place to sleep in or are evicted, or whether your children go to school or not. A king however, takes everything personally. He makes sure that your needs are met. The state of the kingdom and its citizens is the glory of the king. Poverty becomes a personal shame.

I think other religions understand this concept more than Christians. I was once invited to speak in a Muslim nation. Unknowingly, I blurted out, “Jesus is Lord over (name of nation)!” After the service I was gently corrected by my host not to make statements like that when there are people in the congregation that they did not know. When I asked why, he gave me an answer that permanently shattered my ignorance. He said that Muslims are out to establish their kingdom. When you say Jesus is Lord over this nation, you are making a treasonous statement because that means you are toppling their government and establishing another government. Wow! I never saw it like that. Our mindset is too religious. We are thinking religion and faith while others are thinking kingdoms and governments. We have missed the point all along.

Next blog I’ll talk about a king. How does he differ from other earthly rulers? What are some characteristics that differentiate him from other rulers? Why did God manifest himself as king as opposed to president or prime minister or dictator?