Monday, August 14, 2006
KINGDOM CONCEPTS
Before we begin to explain the text of the parables in a near view, we must zoom out to see the total point of what Jesus is teaching from His “nautical pulpit”. Overall He lays out these parables to describe mysteries of the kingdom of heaven. Again, we must understand that when we find the two terms: kingdom of heaven, or kingdom of God, they refer to the same thing. This is made evident as we compare parallel texts.
The intention of the parables is to communicate new information that had not been previously revealed by the prophets in the Old Testament. Kingdom concepts begin with Gen. 1:26-27 Then God said, "Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; and let them rule over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the sky and over the cattle and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth." 27. And God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. The kingdom will be consummate as explained in the New Testament: Rev. 19:11-16 And I saw heaven opened; and behold, a white horse, and He who sat upon it is called Faithful and True; and in righteousness He judges and wages war. 12. And His eyes are a flame of fire, and upon His head are many diadems; and He has a name written upon Him which no one knows except Himself. 13. And He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood; and His name is called The Word of God. 14. And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses. 15. And from His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may smite the nations; and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. 16. And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS."
Adam failed in his reign as he allowed Satan, the adversary or deceiver, to usurp his kingdom. In God’s economy this was allowed for a time but not forever. Man, as rightful ruler of creation, would receive it back in the fullness of God’s timetable. This was plainly understood by the Jews who knew that Messiah would come and reign over them at some point. However, man is corrupt in his nature and will allow his will to overshadow God’s will if he is left to his own devices. This is Israel’s story.
# posted by Castusfumus : 4:49 PM
