The Collision of Two Kingdoms

A lesson on the contrast and conflict of two kingdoms: one heavenly, and the other earthly.

The kingdom of this world (encompassing all earthly nations and peoples) has a disposition of animosity toward God their Creator. They will all fail and fall in the end. But Jesus reigns as King over a kingdom that will never be shaken; a heavenly kingdom established by God, and ruled by God, where His glory is not hidden, nor His lovingkindness obscured. For those who have placed their trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation, we have become partakers and inheritors of this heavenly kingdom. As such, while we live in this world we are ambassadors of another. Our hope and longing is not only to be rescued from the penalty of sin (which we have been, for those who trust in Christ). Nor even merely from the external effects of the fall, such as pain, sorrow, and ultimately death. But we long to be free from the presence of sin altogether.

What offends God should offend us. What is criminal against our King is criminal to us as well! That is the Spirit abiding in us, causing us to live in the reality of our true home. Since we are of Christ's heavenly kingdom, and will be joined together with Him in glory in a short time to come, let us therefore make the most of the time God has entrusted with us here. We live not for earthly pleasures, but for God's glory. That is manifested in our preaching, our worship, our discipling, our evangelism, and all other means by which God's attributes are put on display. In so doing, our hearts are lifted up in praise and adoration of our marvelous God and King, Jesus Christ.