The Kingdom Has a King

The Kingdom has a King. by Rev. José Macías Flores

Kingdom 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). Th e 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. Th erefore, the Jews expect divine intervention, politically and spiritually. Th e 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 . “Th ere 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

Th e 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.) Th e acceptance of the Kingdom of God was confi rmed with the recitation of the fi rst part: “Hear, O Israel: Th e Lord our God, is One Lord” (Deut. 6: 4). Th e 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.

Th e Kingdom of God in Scripture goes back to the promise made to David. “ He shall build an

Reverend José Macías Flores currently pastors unreached tribal groups in Sonora, Mexico. house for my name; and he shall be my son, and I will be his father; and I will establish the throne of his kingdom over Israel for ever” (1 Chronicles 22:10). Daniel mentions Nebuchadnezzar II (630- 562 BC) recognizing the Kingdom of God. “And I blessed the Most High and praised and glorifi ed him who lives forever, whose dominion is everlasting, and his kingdom for all ages” (Daniel 4:34).

Th e Kingdom has a password to be part of it. Th e recitation of the Shema twice a day; and now we, under the regime of Grace, are part of the Kingdom through the voluntary acceptance of the merits of Jesus. A king rules every kingdom. Th e subjects cannot ignore the Will of the Sovereign. Nor can there be small kingdoms, independent of sovereignty or in contradiction with it. Th e King deserves respect for His laws, even more so when the King uses bonds of love for the attraction and welfare of his subjects. Th e desire of God as sovereign was from the Garden of Eden, where we can see the hunger in the heart of God for having a friend to whom he can express His love and care. He has achieved it for certain times, and most likely that love for Him will be reciprocated in its entirety, in the eternal Kingdom by being in His presence. For now, we are useless servants prone to fail constantly. We are purchased by price, without any merits to deserve to be part of His Kingdom. In the midst of our need, we recognize His greatness, His love and patience by admitting and forgiving us constantly, to preserve our membership in His Kingdom.

If the Kingdom has a King, we owe Him loyalty. We owe Him service. We owe Him gratitude. We owe Him tribute. Jesus is still standing at the door of His kingdom, with His arms open to welcome the prodigal son, the lost sheep.

Let it not happen to us as to Joseph and Mary, who went without Jesus, thinking that He was with them (Luke 2:46).