One day, after quoting from the prophet Isaiah to teach His disciples, Jesus told them:
17 For assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it. Matthew 13:17 (NKJV)
Isaiah had written down many prophetic words describing the coming Messiah over seven centuries before Jesus arrived. One amazing thing he wrote was that Messiah would not just be human, but also divine. This must have been difficult for believers of Isaiah’s day to comprehend. Surely the prophet also wondered what it all meant, and longed to see its fulfillment for himself.
6 … And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6b (NKJV)
We now recognize Jesus Christ as the object of this prophecy. But even some of Jesus’ own and closest disciples had not yet grasped this in their own minds, at the time.
Isaiah then shared divine prophecy about the eternal reign of Jesus:
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 (NKJV)
Just as with Isaiah’s scripture describing the divinity of Messiah, there are other clues throughout the Bible which tell us what Jesus’ future global reign will look like. But like the prophets before us, we will undoubtedly find many aspects of their fulfillment that will surprise us and greatly surpass our expectations.
Many believers throughout history have longed to see Jesus’ return to rule and reign, but did not get to witness it during their earthly lives. Likely, they will have some kind of a heavenly ring-side seat to watch when Jesus does come in glory to establish His kingdom.
Some of the mysteries that Isaiah presents for us here are:
- An Ever Increasing Government and Peace
Jesus’ authority will be global, covering all nations, such that they all will lay down their armaments and convert their instruments of war into agricultural tools. But exactly what does “ever increasing” mean? Might it start with the earth, then expand throughout the universe? This is one unknown that will likely surprise and amaze us.
- The Throne of David
The Lord told King David that he would always have a descendant upon the throne in Israel. Jesus fulfills this as a blood descendant of David through Mary (and also step-father Joseph). But there are also some indications in the Bible that perhaps King David himself may rule on Jesus’ throne in Jerusalem, at least for a time, shepherding the people of the world, as well as the nation of Israel.
- Ordered and Established with Judgment and Justice
We will not be able to bring any evil or injustice into the new kingdom of God. Our actions and motives will be entirely apparent there. But despite our many imperfections and sin, we will be allowed entry into the great wedding feast of Jesus by a covering of His righteousness, by grace and mercy, through faith. This gift is extended to believers by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross and His eternal resurrection from the dead, as the first-born of many believers.
- From that Time Forward, Even Forever
Jesus said that He would return to earth at a time when no expected to see Him, like a thief in the night. Despite knowing the times and the seasons, we who are still here will be blind-sided by the event. Beginning with that sudden moment, bursting onto the scene for all eternity, the secrets and wonders of Jesus and His kingdom will play out before our eyes.
One thing we do know for certain: when the time of the Great Banquet arrives, we will most definitely want to be there. We can make our reservation today by reaching out to seek the God who loves us so deeply.
Reflection
Have I made my reservation for the Great Banquet?
Lord, we long to see You and Your coming kingdom of peace. Forgive all of my failures, sins, and shortcomings, and help me to live a better life following You. Teach us to draw closer in love through Your great gifts of faith, mercy, and grace. Thank You for loving me – help me to share that love and forgiveness with each and every person You have placed around me. Help me to remember that You love them as much as You love me. We ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.
Have a beautiful, blessed day in the Lord today.
Daily Meditations from the Genealogy of Jesus 