Bible Prophecy... |
Christ's Kingdom and the Nations |
by Mike Maney |
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Israel in the Kingdom When speaking of the future kingdom, some elements are commonly known, such as it being a time wherein the lion will lay down with the lamb (Isaiah 11:6). Or a time when nations shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks, and shall not learn war any more (Micah 4:3). But perhaps some lesser known facts are that the kingdom (also referred to as Zion) will be inhabited by Jewish people (Isaiah 30:19). In that day Israel's crops will receive plenteous rainfall to bring in a plenteous harvest (Isaiah 30:23). In fact, there will be large pastures for Israel's cattle to graze upon which is why flocks and herds are seen in the kingdom (Isaiah 65:10). Gentile Nations in the Kingdom However, we are told from the book of Revelation that there will be numerous nations of people (not just Israel) who will be represented in the kingdom (Revelation 21:23-26 ; Revelation 22:1-2). In Matthew's gospel we see the world's nations brought before the throne of Christ to receive judgment upon their individual citizens as to whether they enter the kingdom or not (Matthew 25:31-33 ff). However, the notion of nations inhabiting Christ's future kingdom is not limited to New Testament revelation, for such was foretold throught out the Old Testament as well. Indeed, several Old Testament passages likewise point out this fact. God will Conquer the Nations In order for any king to dominate a territory, he must first conquer it. This is precisely what Yahweh intends to do through His Son (Psalm 110:1-2; Revelation 11:15-18). He will then allow them to "inherit the earth" and to enjoy His righteous government (Psalm 37:9-11 ; Psalm 37:22). Their inheritance will be for ever (Psalm 37:18). He will disperse His righteous government all throughout their lands (Micah 5:7, 8). His government will preside over them and Christ will be a Judge among them (Psalm 67:1-4, 5-7 ; Isaiah 2:1-4 ; Micah 4:1-4, 5-7). (Note: As to this future government, more will be expounded on it in the next issue). The Nations Give Glory to God In return for His mercy and provision, the nations (through the mediation of their priest-king) will bring their wealth to Christ (Micah 4:13; Psalm 68:29; Psalm 72:10-11; Revelation 21:24-26). This scenario (the idea of a conquered people paying a tribute tax) isn't anything new, for we see it pictured in the Old Testament where at various times through out Israel's history, the nations of the Middle East were subjugated by God's covenant people and thereby brought gifts, presents to them (1 Kings 4:21 ; 2 Chronicles 9:14 ; 2 Chronicles 26:8). The Nations Render Worship to God Those among the [non-covenant] people will worship Yahweh and His Son Yeshua (Psalm 22:27-29 ; Psalm 86:9). They shall sing praises to the Lord (Psalm 66:1-5; Psalm 68:32). Whereas the citizens of such nations will be prohibited from entering the glorious city, Jerusalem (Joel 3:17; Revelation 21:27), they will nonetheless be given their special allotment in the kingdom of God's dear Son (Matthew 25:34 ff).. (More on the life in Christ's kingdom to follow in the next issue...) |
