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In order for us to understand what God’s Kingdom is, we first have to know what the word kingdom means. Almost everyone has been able to take a look at some of the kingdoms in history. In practically every case there is a land that is inhabited by a people that is under an authority. Worldly kingdoms aren’t the perfect representation of what God’s Kingdom is like, though.
We will go over three important differences between worldly kingdoms and God’s Kingdom: a physical land, the tyrannical king, and the indestructible Kingdom.
God’s Kingdom is not a place that you can travel to on earth. He has not built a castle for you to visit. His Kingdom is not on another planet and is not in another galaxy. The Kingdom, or Family of God, is made up of people who have submitted to the rulership of God. In Acts chapter 2, we see that three thousand people are added to God’s Kingdom because they obeyed the call to “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” Those of us who have been welcomed in to God’s Family must recognize God as King and Lord. (Romans 10:9)
What does it even mean to recognize God as our King? When we decide to make Him our King, we tell Him that we will follow and obey His commands. As people under authority we must know what God wants us to do, and how He wants us to live. We find these things out in His Word, the Bible.
As an American, I know that it can be hard to believe that a king could be a good and fair ruler. Once again, we look back at history and we see tyrannical, evil, oppressive kings that abuse the people of their kingdoms. It doesn’t seem safe to give someone that much power and authority over us, but when it comes to God, it is actually safer for us to be under His authority. Good, strong, loving kings protect their subjects and lead them to join the mission, or vision of their kingdom.
Our God is the best King that anyone could ever ask for. He doesn’t close off His Kingdom, or shut the gate on unwanted, unloved, and undesirable people (Mark 2:15-17). He wants everyone to come to Him. And, while He will let anyone in, He will also let anyone out. He is unlike earthly, tyrannical kings because if you want to leave His Family, He will let you walk out. You won’t be handcuffed and put in a dungeon; you won’t be forced to stay.
Finally, God’s Kingdom is indestructible (Daniel 2:44-45). Earthly nations and empires, peoples and clans pass away. They don’t last forever. No nation on the planet will survive the end of this universe, but when the world ends, God’s Kingdom will still remain, and those of us that are servants of His will get to go to the Heavenly Kingdom that He has prepared for His people (John 14:1-4).
At the end of the day, there are two kingdoms: the kingdom of darkness, and God’s Kingdom. God will let you choose which one you want to be a part of. He is a good King that will not twist your arm, or force you to do anything, but He wants you to come to Him.
Good thoughts. And I agree. Just checking to see if I can finally publish a response.