In thinking about kingdoms and in particular the kingdom of God, I feel compelled to consider what the characteristics of earthly kingdoms are as a way of comparison. After all, how can red be understood unless blue has been experienced? The kingdoms that quickly come to mind are Nazi Germany, Communist Russia, colonial America and the historic Magic Kingdom in Orlando.
After review of some significant Scriptures with the kingdom of God at there core, I found two important elements that seem to repeat in these passages. The first is the kingdom of God is a spiritual reality. There is a certain energy present when a group of like-minded individuals come together with a unified focus. That focus is galvanized with point-of-view, attitude, sense of purpose and a shared hope for the future. The apostle Paul writes, "for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit" (Romans 14:17, NAS). Within the earthly kingdoms that we know, isn't a foundational value system a characteristic that makes it go? It was an extremely rouge understanding of Darwinian thought integrated into political ideology that fueled the rise of Nazi Germany. The kingdom of God also operates with specific, unwavering belief; that is, love for Christ, righteousness, joy and a life that has been changed from inward to outward.
Another important element found within this study is that the kingdom of God is physical. A set of beliefs and attitudes shape and motivate behaviors that will bring tangible results. A physical kingdom has boundaries, a leader and a place within history because of how history has been made. Jesus spoke to Peter, his disciple, and said,
I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; and whatever you bind on earth shall have been bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall have been loosed in heaven (Matthew 16:17-20, NAS).Here it's clear that all of these physical characteristics exists within God's kingdom. His kingdom encompasses both Heaven and Earth and is known in history as the church, which as the leader, Jesus, claims it as His own.
The physical attributes of established rule seem the easiest to spot either because of the dynamic personality of the leader or the societal influence upon the nation. To some, this is true concerning God's kingdom. To experience it is to receive love no strings attached. To others, God is not real and faith in an invisible God is a difficult concept to accept. This objection will cease because the Scriptures teach that Christ will reign with his people. See Revelation 20:4.
Honestly, understanding the kingdom of God is a huge undertaking. Most of the scriptural teaching is packed in Jesus' parables. I think I should spend most of my time here. The most important thing I can do as I seek greater understanding of the kingdom is to deepen my faith in these core beliefs of Christ and to wait expectantly for his return. The King will return.
