Learning from the Old Testament: Patterns for the Church Today — Part 17
The Promise of a Kingdom
From the beginning, God’s purpose was not only to forgive His people but to reign among them. Israel’s kingship was a shadow pointing to a greater reality: the Kingdom of God.
“Yahweh has established his throne in the heavens. His kingdom rules over all.” (Psalm 103:19, WEB)
David’s throne foreshadowed Messiah’s reign. The prophets longed for the day when God Himself would rule in righteousness and peace. That promise is fulfilled in Christ, the King of kings.
The Kingdom Announced
When Jesus began His ministry, His first proclamation was clear:
“The time is fulfilled, and God’s Kingdom is at hand! Repent, and believe in the Good News.” (Mark 1:15, WEB)
The Kingdom was not distant or abstract — it had drawn near in the King Himself. His miracles, teachings, and authority over demons all testified that God’s reign was breaking into the world.
Already and Not Yet
The New Testament reveals a tension: the Kingdom is already here, yet not fully consummated.
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Already: Christ reigns in the hearts of believers; the Spirit brings the power of the age to come.
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Not yet: The world still groans under sin; the fullness awaits His return.
This tension keeps the Church both active and hopeful — laboring now, while longing for the day when “the kingdoms of the world have become the Kingdom of our Lord” (Revelation 11:15).
The Kingdom in the Church
The Church is called to embody the Kingdom — a community where God’s will is done on earth as in heaven.
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Righteousness: living under the authority of the King.
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Peace: reconciliation with God and one another.
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Joy: the fruit of the Spirit’s reign (Romans 14:17).
The Church is not the Kingdom itself, but it is the outpost and witness of that Kingdom.
Old Testament Shadows
The Old Testament gave glimpses of Kingdom life:
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David’s reign pointed to the true Shepherd-King.
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Solomon’s peace and glory foreshadowed the Messiah’s reign of wisdom.
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The prophets’ visions (Isaiah 11, Daniel 7) spoke of a Kingdom of justice and endless dominion.
These shadows now find their substance in Christ.
Lessons for the Church Today
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Live under the King’s rule. Obedience is not optional in the Kingdom.
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Proclaim the Kingdom. Like Jesus, the Church must declare that God’s reign has come.
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Demonstrate the Kingdom. Heal the sick, serve the poor, confront darkness — the Kingdom is not in word only but in power.
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Anticipate the fullness. Our hope is not in earthly kingdoms but in Christ’s coming reign.
Looking Ahead
The Kingdom reveals God’s reign in Christ, both now and in the age to come. But how does this story end? In the next post, we will look at The New Jerusalem — God’s Dwelling with Man, the final vision of Scripture where the Kingdom reaches its consummation.
👉 This is Part 17 of our series “Learning from the Old Testament: Patterns for the Church Today.” In Part 18, we’ll explore The New Jerusalem — God’s Dwelling with Man.
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