The Kingdom has a King. by Rev. José Macías Flores
K
ingdom is the denomination of a particular political entity, which theoretically is ruled by a king, or one in which the monarchy is its political regime (res publica, polis, commonwealth). The Kingdom of God is frequently mentioned in the Tanakh. It is linked to the Jewish understanding that God would intervene directly to restore Israel’s nationality and then reign over it. It was then interpreted as coming from the descendants of David, who, with the Messiah of Israel, would sit on David’s throne and rule for eternity. Therefore, the Jews expect divine intervention, politically and spiritually. The Kingdom of God was expressly promised to King David, making a pact between him and God and promising that someone would always reign on the throne of his “house” - that of David . “There we will rest and see; we will see and love each other; we will love and praise. Here is what will happen to the end without end. And what other purpose do we have, but to reach the Kingdom that will never end? ” Saint Augustine civ.22,30 The historian Flavio Josephus (37-100 AD) mentions that Moses (Approx. 1450-1500 BC) gave the order to recite the Shema twice a day, when getting up and going to bed. (“Ant.” Iv.8.) The acceptance of the Kingdom of God was confirmed with the recitation of the first part: “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, is One Lord” (Deut. 6: 4). The Kingdom of God, in order to be established on earth, requires recognition by man; that is, using the phrase taken from Babylon or Persia, man must “take upon himself the yoke of the Kingdom of God” (Jewish Encyclopedia). Taking the yoke of His Kingdom, and releasing the yokes of any other idolatry, implemented the acceptance of the Kingdom of God. It was recognized as the password to be part of the Kingdom of God, recited by the people of Israel around the world. The Kingdom of God in Scripture goes back to the promise made to David. “ He shall build an
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The Connection
SPRING 2020
