The Tribune

By CARLOS SPENCER

There is much difference of opinion about the meaning of the Kingdom of God, due in part to the plethora of scripture on the subject. Isaiah 11:6 (KJV) describes God’s Kingdom as “The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.”

Then came Jesus who says in Matthew 4:17 (KJV) – “Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Jesus further says in Matthew 5:20 (KJV): “For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.” We are provided with more revelations from Jesus on the Kingdom of God. Matthew 7:21 (KJV): “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.”

In Matthew 12:28 (KJV) Jesus says “but if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.” The Lord’s Prayer found in Matthew chapter 6 (KJV) contains a very important petition by Jesus in verse 10: “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”

On the eve of His death, Jesus provided assurance to His disciples about the Kingdom of God. Luke 22:29-30 (KJV): “And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my father hath appointed unto me; That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” Jesus also promised that he would appear on earth again in glory to bring the blessedness of the kingdom to those for whom it was prepared. (Matthew 25:31, 34) This passage is at the heart of our faith in the Kingdom of God.

The apostle Paul wrote in Colossians 1:13 (KJV) that God “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.” When asked about the kingdom of God by the Pharisees, Jesus answered “The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold the kingdom of God is within you.” (Luke 17:20-21)

Now what a revelation for us to ponder! This explanation of the Kingdom of God (given by Jesus) differs sharply with what we are told in Matthew 8:11 (KJV): “And I say unto you, That many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, in the kingdom of heaven.” The various parables about the Kingdom make it clear to some degree that the Kingdom of God is present, and at work in this world. (for example Luke 13:18-21) However, when questioned by Pilate about His teaching, Jesus replied “My Kingdom is not of this world.” (John 18:36; KJV).

We seem to be faced with three differing interpretations of the Kingdom of God. Some sections of scripture refer to the Kingdom of God as God’s reign; secondly, some passages refer to the Kingdom of God as the realm we may now enter into to experiences His blessings. Finally, other sections of scripture point to some future experience which is only possible when Jesus returns. Hence, the Kingdom of God means something different in differing situations. One must look at the overall scenario, and the specific context.

The Kingdom of God comes with power, and we are so guided to act accordingly. Jesus tell us in Matthew 6:33 (KJV): “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Amen. Thanks be to God for the sharing of His word.