The Kingdom in the Old Testament: Foreshadowing Jesus’ Reign
In the Old Testament, we find a rich tapestry of stories, prophecies, and teachings that point to the coming of a kingdom like no other. This kingdom, foretold by the prophets, was not an earthly kingdom with borders and armies, but a spiritual realm where righteousness and peace would reign supreme. It was a kingdom that would be established by a King like no other, a King who would bring salvation and eternal life to all who believed in Him. This King, of course, is Jesus Christ.
Throughout the Old Testament, we see glimpses and foreshadowing of Jesus’ reign. From the promises made to Abraham and David to the prophecies of Isaiah and Jeremiah, the Old Testament is filled with hints and clues about the coming kingdom. It is in the lives of the patriarchs, the judges, and the kings of Israel that we see the imperfect reflections of the perfect king who was to come.
One of the most significant persons in foreshadowing Jesus’ reign is King David. David, the shepherd turned king, was a man after God’s own heart. He ruled with justice and righteousness, (2 Samuel 8:15) and his kingdom was a glimpse of what the coming kingdom of Jesus would be like. David’s lineage was also important, as it was through his line that the Messiah would come. Isaiah 11:1 and Jeremiah 23:5-6.
The prophets of the Old Testament also played a crucial role in foreshadowing Jesus’ reign. Here are some scriptures about the Jesus Kingship foretold in the Old Testament.
Micah 5:2: Foretells the ruler to come from Bethlehem.
Zechariah 9:9: Predicts the coming of a humble and righteous king.
Daniel 7:13-14: Describes a vision of one like a Son of Man given eternal dominion.
Jeremiah 23:5: Speaks of a righteous Branch from David’s line.
The Kingdom in the New Testament: The Kingship of Jesus
The Eternal and Divine Nature of Jesus’ Kingship: Jesus’ kingship transcends time and space, as depicted in various scriptures. Revelation 19:16 portrays Him as the King of kings and Lord of lords, emphasizing His supremacy over all earthly rulers. Philippians 2:9-11 and 1 Timothy 6:15 underscore the exaltation of Jesus and the universal acknowledgment of His Lordship. Furthermore, Hebrews 1:8 confirms the eternal nature of His kingdom, while Revelation 17:14 depicts Him as the victorious Lamb, reigning as the ultimate King of kings.
In conclusion, the story of the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, is a testament to the grand narrative of God’s redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. The Old Testament sets the stage, foreshadowing a kingdom and a King unlike any other, while the New Testament unveils the reality of this kingdom in Jesus. His reign, established in humility and sacrifice, continues to invite individuals from every nation and era into a relationship with Him, offering salvation, hope, and a place in His everlasting kingdom. This is the enduring legacy of the scriptures – a continuous invitation to witness and partake in the glorious reign of Jesus Christ, the King of kings and Lord of lords.
Now that we have established who Jesus is, let’s proceed to how we can live in His kingdom.
We shall consider the following topics:
1. Embracing Jesus’ Kingship in everyday life.
2. Experiencing the power of Jesus’ Kingship
3. Walking in Kingdom authority
4. Kingdom living in a broken world.
We shall start with “Embracing Jesus Kingship”
EMBRACING JESUS KINGSHIP IN DAILY LIFE
As Christians, living in the kingdom means embracing Jesus’ reign in everyday life. It means recognizing that Jesus is the living, reigning king who is present with us in every moment. It means submitting our lives to his lordship and allowing Him to guide and direct us in all that we do.
Surrendering to Jesus’ Rule
We are to live in the power of Jesus’ kingship and submit ourselves wholeheartedly to His authority. Surrendering to Jesus’ rule requires a paradigm shift, a reorientation of our priorities and values, and a total reliance on His wisdom and guidance.
When we surrender to Jesus’ rule, we acknowledge that He is the true King of our lives. We no longer seek our own will and desires, but instead, we align our lives with His purposes and plans. This surrender is a continual process of dying to self and allowing Jesus to reign in every area of our lives.
Surrendering to Jesus’ rule means acknowledging His authority over our decisions, relationships, and ambitions. It means seeking His will through prayer and studying His Word, and allowing His wisdom to guide our choices. We trust that His plans for us are far greater than anything we could ever imagine, and we surrender our desire for control to follow His lead.
Living in the power of Jesus’ kingship requires humility and a posture of dependence. We recognize that without Him, we are nothing, but with Him, we can do all things. Surrendering to Jesus’ rule means acknowledging our need for Him in every aspect of our lives – our work, our relationships, our ministries, and even our dreams. We trust that He will equip us, empower us, and lead us to fulfill His purposes.
As we surrender to Jesus’ rule, we experience the freedom and abundant life that He promises. We find peace in knowing that we are not alone in our struggles, but that Jesus is with us, guiding us every step of the way. We no longer bear the burdens of trying to control our own lives, but instead, we find rest in surrendering to His loving and sovereign rule.
- Seeking God’s Kingdom First
As citizens of the Kingdom, we must seek the kingdom of God first.
Matthew 6: 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
But what does it mean to seek God’s kingdom? How do we practically apply this principle in our day-to-day living?
Colossians 3:1-2:
Psalm 37:4:
Practically applying this principle requires a shift in our mindset and lifestyle. It means making intentional choices that reflect our commitment to God’s kingdom. We must prioritize spending time in prayer and reading His Word, allowing His truth to shape our thoughts and actions. By seeking God’s guidance and wisdom through prayer, we invite His kingdom to manifest in our lives.
Furthermore, seeking God’s kingdom first means living with an eternal perspective. It involves recognizing that our time on earth is temporary, and our true home is in heaven. This mindset enables us to let go of worldly attachments and invest in what truly matters – building relationships, serving others, and spreading the love of Christ.
Philippians 3:20
Matthew 6:20
When we seek God’s kingdom first, we experience the power and blessings that come with living under Jesus’ kingship. We tap into the abundant life that He promises to us. Our priorities align with God’s purposes, and we find joy and fulfillment in living out His will.
Let us commit to seeking God’s kingdom above all else. Let us prioritize His will over our own and trust that He will provide for our needs. In doing so, we unlock the power of Jesus’ kingship in our lives and become vessels of His love, grace, and truth.
Remember, seeking God’s kingdom first is not a one-time decision but a daily choice. It requires intentionality, discipline, and a heart that is surrendered to God’s leading. So, let us strive to seek God’s kingdom first in all that we do, and watch as He transforms us into Kingdom ambassadors for His glory.
Pray
I declare in the name of Jesus, that I am committed to seeking Your Kingdom first in every aspect of my life. I prioritize Your righteousness above all else.
I declare that my desires and ambitions are aligned with Your divine purposes. my heart and mind are set on heavenly things, not on the fleeting pleasures of this world. I surrender my will to Yours, fully trusting in Your superior plan for my life.
In my daily walk, I commit to intentional living that reflects my dedication to Your Kingdom. I will devote time to prayer and immerse myself in Your Word. Your truth shall be the foundation of my thoughts and actions, guiding me in every decision.
I declare that I live with an eternal perspective, understanding that my time on earth is temporary and my true citizenship is in heaven. This mindset empowers me to release worldly attachments and focus on what truly matters: loving service, kingdom-building relationships, and spreading the gospel of Christ.
By Your grace, I am confident that as I seek Your kingdom first, all my needs will be met according to Your riches in glory. I embrace the abundant life promised by Jesus, trusting that my priorities will align with Your divine purposes. I am filled with joy and fulfillment as I live out Your will.
Today, I declare my life is committed to prioritizing Your will over mine. I lean on Your understanding and acknowledge You in all my ways. Use me, Lord, as a vessel of Your love, grace, and truth.
I acknowledge that seeking Your kingdom is a daily choice, requiring intentionality and discipline. I am determined to keep my heart surrendered to Your leading, continuously striving to be a Kingdom ambassador for Your glory.
In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, I pray Amen.
- Living in Obedience to the King’s Commands
Our King, Jesus Christ, not only rules over the universe but also rules over our lives. In His Word he has laid out a blueprint for how we should live and conduct ourselves in His kingdom. It is through living in obedience to His commands that we are able to unlock the power of Jesus’ Kingship in our lives.
John 8 31 Jesus spoke to the Jews who had believed him. “If you obey my teaching,” he said, “you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth. And the truth will set you free.”
Living in obedience means putting aside our own desires and preferences and submitting to the will of the King. It requires humility, surrender, and a willingness to follow his lead. Obedience is not always easy, but it is necessary if we want to experience the fullness of life that Jesus promises.
One of the first commands that Jesus gives us is to love one another. He says, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34). This command goes beyond simply being kind or polite to others. It requires us to love sacrificially, just as Jesus loved us by laying down his life for us. When we live in obedience to this command, we create a community of believers who reflect the love and grace of our King.
Another command that Jesus gives us is to go and make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19). This means actively sharing the good news of Jesus’ kingship with others and inviting them into his kingdom. Living in obedience to this command means being intentional about sharing our faith and investing in the spiritual growth of others.
Living in obedience to the King’s commands also means seeking justice, showing mercy, and walking humbly with our God (Micah 6:8). It means living a life of integrity, honesty, and compassion. It means being good stewards of the resources and gifts that God has given us.
Living in obedience to the King’s commands means consistently listening for His voice in every aspect of our journey. This requires cultivating intimacy with Him to ensure that we can hear Him clearly. He said, “My sheep hear my voice, and they follow me.” It’s our proximity and connection to our King that allows us to truly hear and obey His Word.
Living in obedience to the King’s commands is not always easy, but it is worth it. When we choose to live in obedience, we tap into the power and blessings of Jesus’ kingship. We experience the peace, joy, and purpose that can only come from living in alignment with God’s will. Let us strive to live each day in obedience to the King’s commands, knowing that in doing so, we are unlocking the power of Jesus’ kingship in our lives.
Pray
In the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our King, I declare a deep and unwavering commitment to living in obedience to Your Word. I acknowledge that Jesus, who reigns over the universe, also reigns supremely over my life. His Word is the blueprint for how I should live and conduct myself within His Kingdom.
As it is written in John 8:31-32, Jesus spoke, “If you obey my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” I embrace this promise, dedicating myself to putting aside my desires and preferences and submitting wholeheartedly to the will of the King. I choose humility, surrender, and a readiness to follow His lead, even when it challenges me.
In obedience to the King’s commands, I strive to seek justice, show mercy, and walk humbly with God, as per Micah 6:8. I dedicate myself to a life of integrity, honesty, and compassion, being a good steward of the resources and gifts God has entrusted to me.
I declare that living in obedience to the King’s commands also involves consistently listening for His voice in every aspect of my journey. I yearn for a deep, intimate relationship with Jesus to hear Him clearly, as He said, “My sheep hear my voice, and they follow me.” I affirm that it is my proximity and connection to the King that enables me to hear and obey His Word.
In choosing obedience, I tap into the power and blessings of Jesus’ Kingship. I embrace the peace, joy, and purpose that come from aligning with God’s will. I commit to living each day in obedience to my King’s commands, confident that in doing so, I am unlocking the extraordinary power of Jesus’ Kingship in my life.
Amen.
- The Cost of Discipleship: Taking Up Our Cross
What does it mean to bear the cost of discipleship? How can we practically apply this concept in our everyday lives, as we strive to live in the Kingdom and embrace Jesus’ reign?
Taking up our cross means embracing the sacrificial nature of following Christ. It requires denying our desires, surrendering our will to God’s, and being willing to endure hardship and persecution for the sake of the Gospel. Jesus himself said, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23, NIV).
To live in the Kingdom, we must first recognize that our lives are not our own. We have been bought with a price, (1 Corinthians 3:20) redeemed by the blood of Jesus (Ephesians 1:7). This truth should change the way we view our possessions, our time, and our relationships. It asks us to hold everything with an open hand, willing to let go of anything that hinders our obedience to Christ.
It means forgiving our enemies, even when it feels impossible. It means loving our neighbors as ourselves and going the extra mile to meet their needs. It means standing up for justice and righteousness, even when it’s unpopular. It means living a life of integrity and honesty, even when it comes at a personal cost.
Taking up our cross also means being willing to step out of our comfort zones and into the unknown. It may require leaving behind familiar territory, taking risks, and being willing to be misunderstood. But as we embrace the cost of discipleship, we will find that the rewards far outweigh the sacrifices. (Mark 10:29-30)
In conclusion, living in the Kingdom and embracing Jesus’ reign requires us to take up our cross daily. It is a call to radical obedience, sacrificial love, and unwavering faith. As Christians, let us embrace the cost of discipleship, knowing that in doing so, we are participating in the glorious reign of our Savior and King.
Pray
In the name of Jesus Christ. I declare my unwavering commitment to bearing the cost of discipleship.
I acknowledge, O Lord, that my life is not my own. I have been bought at a price, redeemed by the precious blood of Jesus, as affirmed. This truth reshapes my perspective on my possessions, my time, and my relationships. I choose to hold everything with open hands, ready to release anything that may hinder my obedience to Christ.
In embracing this cross, I commit to forgiving my enemies, even when it feels beyond my capacity. I pledge to love my neighbors as myself, going the extra mile to meet their needs, as Jesus taught. I vow to stand for justice and righteousness, even in the face of unpopularity, and to live a life of integrity and honesty, regardless of personal cost.
I trust that as I embrace the cost of discipleship, the rewards will surpass the sacrifices, as promised in Mark 10:29-30.
Therefore, I declare today that living in Your Kingdom and under Jesus’ reign is my utmost priority. This is a call to radical obedience, sacrificial love, and unwavering faith. As a disciple of Christ, I embrace the cost of discipleship, knowing that in doing so, I am participating in the glorious reign of my Savior and King.
Let this declaration be my daily commitment, a reminder of the path I have chosen to follow. Empower me, Lord, through Your Spirit, to live out this commitment in every aspect of my life, reflecting the love and grace of Jesus in all that I do.
In Jesus’ mighty name, I pray and declare,
Amen.
- Walking in the Light as Children of the King
We are called to walk in the light as children of the King. What does it mean to walk in the light? It means to live our lives in a way that reflects the character and teachings of Jesus Christ. It means to live in obedience to His commands and to strive for righteousness.
1 John 1: 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all.
John 11: 9 Jesus answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If anyone walks in the day, he does not stumble, because he sees the light of this world. 10 But if one walks in the night, he stumbles, because the light is not in him.”
Psalm 36: 9 For with You is the fountain of life;
In Your light we see light.
When we walk in the light, we experience the abundant life that Jesus promised. We find peace, joy, and fulfillment that can only come from living in the right relationship with God. We are freed from the bondage of sin and the weight of guilt and shame. We are no longer slaves to our selfish desires but are transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit.
Walking in the light also means we will not stumble because His light will shine in our pathway of life.
Pray
In the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and King, I declare my commitment to walk in the light as a child of the King. I understand that walking in the light means living a life that radiates the character and teachings of Jesus Christ, living in obedience to His commands, and striving for righteousness.
As it is written in 1 John 1:7, “But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.” I embrace this promise, choosing to live in a way that fosters fellowship and purity, cleansed by the blood of Jesus.
In accordance with John 11:9-10, I acknowledge that walking in the light of Christ means I will not stumble, for His light guides my path. I choose to walk in the day, illuminated by the truth and presence of Jesus, the light of this world.
I declare, as Psalm 36:9 proclaims, “For with You is the fountain of life; in Your light we see light.” In Your light, O God, I find the source of life and clarity of vision. I choose to live in the abundance of life that Jesus promised, experiencing peace, joy, and fulfillment that comes only from a right relationship with You.
I am freed from the bondage of sin, the weight of guilt and shame, no longer a slave to selfish desires, but transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit. As I walk in Your light, I am guided and protected, confident that Your light shines on my pathway of life, directing my steps and decisions.
Therefore, I commit to walking in the light each day, reflecting the love, grace, and truth of Jesus in my actions and interactions. I choose to be a beacon of Your light in this world, showing others the way to Your kingdom through my words and deeds.
Empower me, Lord, with Your Holy Spirit, to uphold this declaration. May my life be a testament to the transformative power of walking in Your light, and may I serve as a witness to Your glory and majesty.
In Jesus’ holy and powerful name, I pray and declare,
Amen.
- Shining as Lights in a Dark World
As Christians, we are called to be lights in a dark world, to display the transformative power of Jesus’ kingship in our daily lives. In a world filled with chaos, confusion, and moral decay, it is our responsibility to stand firm in our faith and let our light shine brightly.
Matthew 5: 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
PRAY
I come before You today, recognizing my calling as a light in this dark world. In Matthew 5:14-16, You have declared that I am the light of the world, a city set on a hill that cannot be hidden. I embrace this divine responsibility with humility and a willing heart.
In a world filled with chaos, confusion, and moral decay, I ask for Your strength and wisdom to stand firm in my faith. Help me, Lord, to reflect the transformative power of Your love and the kingship of Jesus in my daily life. May my actions, words, and thoughts be guided by Your Spirit, so that others may see Your goodness and grace through me.
Lord, empower me to be a beacon of hope and truth. In situations of injustice and despair, let me be a voice of compassion and righteousness. In moments of doubt and fear, remind me of Your unchanging promises and Your steadfast love.
As I walk through my days, let my light shine brightly. Help me to display kindness, patience, love, and joy that can only come from You. May my life serve as a testament to Your grace, leading others to glorify You.
Father, I acknowledge that without You, I can do nothing. So, I rely wholly on Your power and guidance to be an effective witness of Your Kingdom. May my life not just illuminate but also attract others to Your saving grace and eternal love.
I declare I am a city set on a hill I cannot be hidden.
My light shines in the world around me and men glorify God because of me.
In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.
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You are loved.
