Drink from The Well

One of my favorite book series is C.S. Lewis’s The Chronicles of Narnia. The first time I read them, I did not know who C.S. Lewis was or that these books could be classified as “Christian fiction.” In this classic and exciting series, we are introduced to Aslan. He is a representation of Jesus in the series (probably inspired by Rev. 5:5). The land of Narnia is part of Aslan’s kingdom. For the sake of not revealing too much, I will let you read the books for yourself (or you can watch the movies since they have that available too). Over the years, I have come to appreciate the work of C.S. Lewis.

The kingdom of God is a biblical concept that is presented in the gospels (Matt. 6:33; Mk. 1:15; 10:15; 15:43; Lk. 17:20, etc.). We also see it in other places in the New Testament (Acts 28:31; Rom. 14:17; 1 Cor. 15:50, etc.). It is also synonymous with the kingdom of heaven, and you will see both referenced in the Bible. Like Aslan, King Arthur, or any king who rules over a kingdom, there are at least three areas that make up their kingdoms. First, there is a king who rules. Second, there are subjects who are ruled. And third, there is the exercise of the role of rulership. So, in any kingdom, we see that there is an understanding between the king, his governance, and his people. Therefore, understanding these guidelines will help citizens of the kingdom succeed. And they will be better equipped to live fruitful lives as faithfully as possible. In the synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke), Jesus uses a similar concept as an analogy in describing what his kingdom is like. For anyone who follows a king, it would probably be wise to know the way his kingdom works so you can live accordingly. Similarly, the kingdom of God can also be described in a few senses. Broadly speaking, the kingdom of God is the rule of an eternal, sovereign Being over all the universe. Various passages in Scripture show that God is undeniably the Ruler of all creation (Ps. 103:19, Dan. 4:3, Rom. 13:1). More narrowly, the kingdom of God is a spiritual rule over the hearts and lives of those who submit to God’s authority. Those who defy God’s authority and refuse to submit to Him are not part of the kingdom of God. In contrast, those who acknowledge the lordship of Christ and gladly surrender to God’s rule in their hearts are part of the kingdom of God (Jn. 18:36, Matt. 4:17, Jn. 3:5-7, 1 Cor. 6:9). Finally, another sense in which the kingdom of God is used in Scripture is the literal rule of Christ on the earth when he returns again (Dan. 2:44; cf. 7:13–14, Obad. 1:21; Hab. 2:14; Mic. 4:2; Zech. 14:9). Some theologians refer to the future, open display of the kingdom of God as the “kingdom of glory” and the present, hidden display of the kingdom of God as the “kingdom of grace.” But both expressions are connected; Christ has set up His spiritual reign in the church on earth, and He will one day set up His physical reign. 

​​In helping us to further understand the kingdom of God concept, Jesus uses parables to paint the picture for us. A few of these include: Treasure in a field (Matt. 13:44-46). This parable teaches us that the Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field or a pearl of great price. This suggests that the kingdom is incredibly valuable and worth sacrificing everything to obtain. Mustard seed (Matt. 13:31-32, Mk. 4:30-32, Lk. 13:18-19): this parable teaches us that the Kingdom is like a mustard seed, the smallest of all seeds, which grows into a large tree. This shows how something initially small and seemingly insignificant can grow into something vast and impactful. Yeast (Matt. 13:33, Lk. 13:20-21): this parable teaches us that the Kingdom is like yeast in flour, working its way through the entire dough. This illustrates how God’s rule is not always a visible, dramatic event but can be a subtle, transformative force present in ordinary lives. 

When we come to understand how the kingdom of God works, it demands we switch allegiances. Allegiance from the world’s value system, from people’s opinions and approval, and ultimately, from self. Jonathan Dodson, in speaking about the kingdom of God, once said, “The kingdom of heaven is breaking into this world through God’s people. If you are already a citizen by the grace of God, live like it! Don’t settle for the kingdom of self.” This means that we embrace God’s rule and the Lordship of Christ in our lives. All through the Old Testament, the people of God were anticipating a King who would come from the line of David to rule forever (Isa. 6:5, 40:9-11, 52:7-10, Dan. 7:13-14, Zech. 9:9, etc.). In the New Testament this prophecy finds its fulfillment in Christ the Messiah. The eternal King that they have anticipated has finally arrived. It’s a fascinating adventure if you want to trace the lineage and prophecies of the coming King from the Old Testament (grab your Bible and let me know what you find). 

I will be remiss to not mention that the kingdom of God has several aspects. The Lord is the Sovereign One of the universe, and so in that sense His kingdom is universal (1 Tim. 6:15). At the same time, the kingdom of God involves a change of mind (repentance) and a new birth. This is where God rules in the hearts of His children in this world in preparation for the next (Jn. 3:1-15). And the work begun on earth will ultimately find its fulfillment in heaven (see Phil. 1:6). So, if you are a person who trusts in Jesus, the King of God’s kingdom, rest assured of the eternal dwelling that awaits you (2 Cor. 5:1, Heb. 11:16). And if you are currently not trusting in King Jesus, TODAY is the day of salvation. What are you waiting for?

We come to see that the kingdom of God is ultimately God’s sovereign reign over ALL things (Col. 1:15-23). It is the spiritual reality of God’s rule, love, and principles in the world. This means that it represents a life lived under God’s authority and in accordance with His principles. This is not only characterized by a deep love for God and others but also by peace, justice, righteousness, joy, and abundance. And in this kingdom, there is no need for hoarding or competing for resources. Instead, we are given all that we need for this life and the life to come; we have eternal security. Finally, while it is a present reality actively experienced in believers’ lives and communities through love and compassion, it is also a future hope for a transformed world free from sin, suffering, and death. While currently not a physical place, God’s kingdom reigns over hearts and lives in the spiritual realm where His will is done. Believers can experience God’s Kingdom by seeking His righteousness, living out His values, and practicing love and forgiveness. And we are only able to have these experiences through the Holy Spirit, who is given to us immediately when we believe and who guarantees our citizenship in God’s kingdom forever (Eph. 1:13-14).

So, at the end of the first book in the Narnia series, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, the siblings are crowned the kings and queens of Narnia. With that, all the people chant, “All hail King Peter, All hail King Edward, All hail Queen Susan, All hail Queen Lucy.” But unlike them, may we continue to grow and live in the kingdom of God, where we always pray how our King taught us, “your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matt. 6:10). And Lord willing, we will continually chant, “All Hail King Jesus.“

“The seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever.” – Revelation 11:15

“On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: King of Kings and Lord of Lords.” – Revelation 19:16

King of Kings by The Worship Initiative