The Bible makes us aware that there are physical kingdoms and spiritual kingdoms. The spiritual kingdom has two categories, God’s kingdom and Satan’s kingdom. Psalms 103: 19 says the LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all. The psalmist says irrespective of the nature and location of a kingdom, God’s kingdom reigns superior to all of them, collectively or severally. In other words, all kingdoms are subject to God’s kingdom in the heavens.
Spiritual kingdoms influence physical kingdoms through our deeds, thoughts and words. Jesus taught his disciples to pray saying in Matthew 6: 10, your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. By this prayer, Jesus meant to say that we connect with God’s Spiritual kingdom when we enter into a relationship with him. Upon doing so, God’s kingdom becomes inseparable from our physical kingdom for us on earth thereby allowing us to enjoy the privileges in heaven on earth as it is in heaven.
In like manner, sin also enables Satan’s kingdom to influence our lives here on earth. Jesus said in John 10: 10 the thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly. God’s kingdom and Satan’s kingdom exert different influences on our lives subject to the nature of our association with them. For those who associate with God’s kingdom, Deuteronomy 28: 7 says the LORD will cause your enemies who rise against you to be defeated before you; they shall come out against you one way, and flee before you seven ways. Unto those who embrace Satan’s kingdom, Ezekiel 18: 4 says the person who sin that shall die.
God’s kingdom
Jesus confirmed the existence of God’s kingdom and said in John 18: 36-37, my kingdom is not from this world… everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice. John the Baptist called it the kingdom of heaven, Matthew 3: 2 just as Jesus called it copiously in Matthew 4: 17; 5: 3; 5: 10 among many other references. Jesus also referred to it as the kingdom of God, Matthew 6: 33; 12: 28; 19: 24; 21: 31; 21: 43; (with countless references) and Paradise in Luke 23: 43.
Paul talks of its nature in Romans 14: 17, for the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. In other words the culture of God’s kingdom is purity, forgiveness, and contentment in the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus referred to its other nature including childlike humility, Matthew 18: 4; generous care, Matthew 19: 23; rapt readiness to serve Jesus, Matthew 25: 1; living the word, Matthew 7: 21; and enduring suffering for Jesus, Matthew 11: 12.
Satan’s kingdom
The existence of Satan’s kingdom is in Matthew 12: 26, if Satan cast out Satan, he is divided against himself; how then will his kingdom stand? Paul describes its nature in Ephesians 6: 12, for our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Satan’s kingdom is for our struggles, evil, stealing, killing, destroying, false accusation (Revelation 12: 10); usurpation and inordinate ambition, Isaiah 14: 13-14; and mockery and defeat, Colossians 2: 15.
Authority of God’s kingdom
God never relinquished his power and authority to rule over all kingdoms, dominions, powers, and authorities in heaven, on earth or beneath the earth. God said in Exodus 3: 14, I am that I am. This means he is the final authority. Psalms 24: 1-2 says the earth is the lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it, for he has founded it. God said in Revelation 1: 8; 21: 6; 22: 13 I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. God knows the beginning and end of everything under the sun.
It is written in Exodus 15: 6-7 your right hand, O LORD, glorious in power – your right hand, O LORD, shattered the enemy. In greatness of your majesty you overthrow your adversaries; you sent out your fury, it consumed them like stubble. The kingdom authority is exercised through Christ Jesus who said in Matthew 28: 18 all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Jesus has also given some of his authority to his obedient children to exercise to his glory and honour for our good.
What to always remember
We must always remember that Psalms 22: 28 says for dominion belongs to the LORD, and he rules over the nations. God’s authority is eternal and with his assurance, we must submit to his majesty. Do we belong to the winning kingdom?
Jesus says we must repent and then we can confidently repeat Isaiah 54: 17: no weapon that is fashioned against you shall prosper, and you shall confute every tongue that rises against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD and their vindication from me, says the LORD. What is our true heritage?
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus, we acknowledge your power and authority over all creation. Let your power resonate in everything we do so the world may know that you are the Lord. You who reigns above in heaven and your footstool is the earth, save us from evil by your saving grace and prepare us for eternity with you. We pray in your precious holy name, Amen!!
