Kingdom Perspective (7)

Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. Isaiah 9.7

What’s the matter?

There’s a good bit of talk these days among scientists who study the cosmos about what they refer to as “dark matter.”

Now let’s be clear about two things. First, dark matter is not really dark. It’s just that scientists can’t “see” it with any of their instruments. So it’s dark to them.

And further, dark matter is “matter” only because, well, that’s the way scientists think. They think everything that exists must be the sort of thing one can weigh, measure, manipulate, and use for human purposes. Nothing else exists except matter, so everything must be matter of some sort.

“Dark matter”, as it’s referred to, is really an unseen power or force that holds the universe together. Scientists can’t see it (hence, “dark”) but they can see its effects. They don’t know for sure that it’s matter, but matter’s what they do, so “matter” will have to do for now as well.

At any rate, what dark matter does in the vast cosmos is hold everything together. Apparently there’s not enough real matter in the cosmos – planets, stars, and other big floaty space things – to keep the universe from flying apart. Yet the universe doesn’t fly apart. The reason for this is that something scientists can’t see, something that may be other than matter, is holding the universe together and exerting powerful effects on everything in it.

Let’s just leave that there for now, shall we?

Fill all things
The Lord Jesus Christ is described by the Apostle Paul as “filling all things in all things” (Eph. 1.15-23). Seated at the right hand of God, upholding the cosmos and everything in it by His powerful Word, advancing His rule like a river of grace and truth on earth as it is in heaven, Jesus is “in” all things “filling all things” with Himself. He is throughout the world, in every place, and increasingly so.

To which prophets like Daniel and Isaiah would say, “That’s what I’ve been saying for years!”

We’re all familiar with Isaiah 9.6, 7, especially at Christmas time, when we sing about Jesus who rules the world with truth and grace, and who comes to make His blessings flow far as the curse is found. In fact, I think we have become so familiar with some of these texts that we don’t reflect on what they’re actually saying.

Isaiah, for example, prophesied that, once Jesus had come to earth, His Kingdom would begin, bringing righteousness and justice wherever it flows. And, Isaiah continued, there would be no end to its advance. Daniel witnessed to the same hope in Daniel 2.44, 45 and then again in 7.18-27. The coming of the Kingdom at the incarnation of Jesus and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit began a spiritual infusion and transformation that is flowing and growing, advancing and overcoming, refreshing and renewing all things, and there will be no end to it, nothing to hinder or stop it, until Jesus returns in judgment.

Some Kingdom!
Jesus Christ, by His Word and Spirit in His people, is filling the world with Himself, with His righteousness, peace, and joy. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. Science can’t measure the spiritual power of Christ – they’re in the “dark” about such things – but anyone can certainly see its effects. The course of history is lavished with example after example of good works accomplished by people who made the Kingdom turn and became citizens and ambassadors in an ever-advancing, unseen realm of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Spirit.

And that Kingdom continues advancing to this day. Jesus Christ, Who holds the cosmos together by His Word of power, is advancing His unseen Kingdom – with all its glorious effects – on earth as it is in heaven, filling all things in all things to the praise of the glory of God.

Can you see this? Have you entered into this glorious new perspective on life, the cosmos, and everything in it? Have you made the Kingdom turn?

Next steps: What are some ways you’ve seen the Kingdom of Jesus advancing in your life? Through your life to others? In your church? Through your church to your community? Talk with a pastor about these questions..

T. M. Moore
Additional Resources

This week’s study, Kingdom Perspective, is the second of an eight-part series on The Kingdom Turn, and is available as a free download. T. M. has written two books to complement this eight-part series. You can order The Kingship of Jesus by clicking here, and The Gospel of the Kingdom by clicking here.

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.