Episode Synopsis:

The kingdom of God is a major topic throughout the Scriptures. The kingdom of God refers to the rule or reign of God over all of creation and all of its creatures. The Old Testament speaks of YHWH as Israel’s king, whose kingdom is everlasting. The prophets speak of this kingdom using royal images associated with heavenly glory and absolute sovereignty–the creator of all things does indeed rule over all that he has made. Everything is subject to him.

Although YHWH rules the nations, because of Israel’s repeated and stubborn rebellion against him, YHWH has directed those nations to conquer Israel and possess the promised land. This is why the focus of the later prophets is upon the future, when YHWH’s kingdom is gloriously and finally realized. Israel’s king will come to visit his people with salvation, but will also mete out judgment upon all who reject his rule.

So, when the messianic age dawns with the supernatural conception and birth of Jesus, we should not be surprised that it is in his person and work that YHWH’s promised kingdom will be realized. Since Jesus is YHWH’s promised king, YHWH’s kingdom has arrived in and with him–such a kingdom cannot exist apart from its king, Jesus, the second person of the blessed Trinity who is God now clothed in human flesh.

The arrival of this kingdom can be seen in the preaching of John the Baptist, the last of the Old Testament prophets who speaks of a coming one in whom YHWH’s kingdom will dawn. Throughout his messianic mission Jesus proclaims that in him YHWH’s kingdom draws near–it is a major theme of his preaching. This kingdom conquers all, but not in the way we might think, nor in the way Israel expected. They wanted Jesus to restore David’s kingdom and lead them to victory over the Romans. When Jesus taught otherwise, he was rejected by his people, crucified, and then rose again from the dead. He ascended to the Father’s right hand and promised to return. Jesus’ kingdom is a spiritual kingdom absolutely victorious over the guilt and power of sin. He has defeated Satan in anticipation of a time when that kingdom will be fully and finally consummated on the last day, when all the inhabitants of the earth bow the knee and confess that Jesus is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

That day, when Jesus returns and his kingdom comes in its fullness lies at the heart of the New Testament’s eschatology. It is that kingdom about which Jesus taught us to pray, “thy kingdom come.” Jesus, Paul, and the rest of the New Testament writers direct us to that time in the future when our king will return and his kingdom will be consummated. On that day all tears will be wiped from our eyes, we will receive our promised inheritance, and not a hint or trace of human sin will remain. This beloved, is our hope for the future and this is the context in which we must discuss the signs of the end.

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