Divine kingship was an idea common to all religions especially of the ancient East. From the heavens the gods rule the earth through the earthly kings. To these kings were accorded worship and obedience. But this changed when God chose a people, Israel. Although God still reigns over all the earth, He has chosen Israel to be His particular domain. God blesses Israel, guides and protect her.
The kingdom of God is not only a physical one but it is especially a personal reality. Jesus Christ announces that “the kingdom of God is at hand.” Accompanying his preaching are miracles which are the signs of the presence of God’s miracles and that the reign of Satan is at an end. There are demands in order to enter God’s kingdom. It is necessary to be converted, to have a childlike attitude, the poverty of the soul, to bear persecutions, in other words to do the Father’s will.
The kingdom of God comes to us as a seed, which is the Word of God. But this seed has to grow and bear fruit. It has to become a giant tree where all the birds of the air may take shelter and rest.
