The Coming Kingdom: Part 1

THE COMING KINGDOM: PART 1
Tuesday, August 31, 2021

Then Peter answered and said to Him, "See, we have left all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?" So Jesus said to them, "Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My name's sake, shall receive a hundredfold, and inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first (Matthew 19:27-30).

Peter’s question is a legitimate one of concern. Throughout His public ministry Jesus gave indications as to what His Kingdom would look like. However, there was no ‘full-blown’ narrative on the specific details of the coming Kingdom. The disciples had believed the Messiah would restore Israel to power and prominence politically by ruining the reign of Rome over Palestine. That was the popular understanding of the day. But Jesus continued to stress that their idea of a political Messiah and a restored Israel was inconsistent with the character and nature of the Kingdom He came to establish.

The rich young man left Jesus grieving over the fact inheriting eternal life would cost him everything. He was unwilling to pay that price. Peter affirmed that they had not been like the sorrowful man; they had left everything to follow Jesus. Except for Judas Iscariot, they had believed Jesus was the Messiah and the Son of God. Even though they had stumbled along in their weak faith, they had pursued the Lord with a sincere heart. What would their lot be in the Kingdom?

A.T. Robertson believed the question was “a pathetic question of hopeless lack of comprehension.” Albert Barnes believed the question was a selfish request that again resulted from a weak faith. I do not agree. All who believe in and receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior wonder what the reward for such faith will be. It is only normal and natural. Sure, it may be somewhat selfish to wonder if we will have ‘a mansion over the hill-top’, where our place around the throne of God will be, or what role we will have in the Kingdom, but such questions reflect our incomplete knowledge of the eternal Kingdom. We have a clearer understanding of it through the writings of Peter, Paul, and John, but we do not have a full understanding of it. So, we wonder about it. The thought of coming rewards for sacrifice and service are not ignored in Scripture. In fact, the thought of potential rewards is an incentive for sacrifice and service. For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing (2 Timothy 4:6-8).

“Thank You, Lord Jesus, that You have promised and have prepared for us a place in Your Kingdom when it comes on earth. Though our faith may also be seen as weak, Your great grace, mercy, and love, continues to motivate us to look up and see our final salvation is drawing near. May Your name be praised forever, Amen.” 

Pastor