The Kingdom of God is a divine system with intricate components that reflect its purpose and function. As outlined earlier, the Kingdom encompasses aspects like healing, teaching, tithing, and administration through the Church. These components not only highlight the nature of God’s Kingdom but also differentiate it from earthly kingdoms. However, its most profound characteristic is that all citizens of this Kingdom are not only subjects but also relatives of the King—kings themselves.
The announcement of this Kingdom was interwoven throughout the Old Testament, echoing through the promises and prophecies of Moses, David, Isaiah, Daniel, and others. These foretold the arrival of the Messiah-King who would bring the Kingdom back to humanity, restoring what Adam lost. This part of the Kingdom series delves deeper into the historical timeline, the anticipation of the Messiah, and why God chose to wait for 4,000 years before sending His Son, Jesus Christ.
The Prophetic Announcements of the Kingdom
From the earliest books of the Bible, the Kingdom’s arrival was promised:
- Moses: He spoke of a prophet who would rise among the people, someone they were commanded to listen to. This pointed directly to Jesus, the one who would embody the Kingdom and its message “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet likeme from among your own brothers. You must listen to Him” (Deut. 18:15)
- David: His psalms declared the everlasting nature of God’s Kingdom, a reign that would span all generations and endure forever, “Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Your dominion endures through all generations” (Psalm 145:13).
- Isaiah: With incredible clarity, Isaiah prophesied about the coming King and His government. He described a ruler who would bring peace, justice, and righteousness, and whose reign would have no end “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He 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. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this” (Isaiah 9:6-7).
- Daniel: Daniel’s visions presented the King as one with eternal dominion and authority over all nations. His vivid descriptions underscored the Kingdom’s divine origin and everlasting nature In my vision at night I looked, and there before mewas one like a son of man, coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all peoples, nations and men of every language worshiped Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed (Dan. 7:13- 14). So he told me and gave me the interpretation of these things: “The four great beasts are four kingdoms that will rise from the earth. But the saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom and will possess it forever—yes, for ever and ever” (Dan. 7:16b-18). As I watched, this horn was waging war against the saints and defeating them, until the Ancient of Days came and pronounced judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came when they possessed the kingdom (Dan. 7:21-22). But the court will sit, and his power will be taken away and completely destroyed forever. Then the sovereignty, power and greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven will be handed over to the saints, the people of the Most High. His kingdom will be an everlasting kingdom, and all rulers will worship and obey Him. This is the end of the matter. I, Daniel, was deeply troubled by my thoughts, and my face turned pale, but I kept the matter to myself (Daniel 7:13-14, 26-28).
These prophecies painted a picture of hope and restoration. Yet, they were also accompanied by a promise: someone would come to prepare the way for the King and His Kingdom.
The Forerunner: John the Baptist
The Old Testament closes with the prophecy of Malachi, declaring the arrival of a forerunner, likened to Elijah. This figure would prepare the hearts of the people, turning them back to God and readying them for the coming Messiah-King:
“See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers…” (Malachi 4:5-6).
This prophecy was fulfilled in the ministry of John the Baptist, who came declaring, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matthew 3:2). He prepared the people to receive Jesus, the King who would restore the Kingdom of God on earth.
Conclusion: The Kingdom is Here
The Kingdom of God is not a distant reality but a present truth. Jesus’ arrival marked the beginning of its restoration on earth. As citizens of this Kingdom, we are called to live as kings under the authority of the King of Kings. The long wait was not a delay but a divine preparation for the greatest act of redemption in history.
The story of the Kingdom continues, and its message is as relevant today as it was when Jesus first proclaimed it. Will you embrace your role as a citizen and king in this divine Kingdom?
Stay tuned for Part Four as we explore into deeper things and why the long wait!!
