Kingdom Come

Remember why God created humans in the first place?

“And God said, Let us make man.. and let them [not angels] have dominion.” (Genesis 1:26)

• thou crownedst him with glory and honour [achieved in battle!]
• and set him over the works of thy hands:
• Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet…
• But now we see not yet all things put under him.” (Hebrews 2:6-8)

Make the connection! The end of time / death is when the humans made in God’s likeness win back the dominion he granted to us! This is a massive responsibility.

Surely you’ve gone through the process of being vetted for a job. The more responsibility the job entails, the more qualifications are demanded.

Surely we recognize that taking dominion over creation is far more serious than treating medical disorders or managing finaces. You’d think taking control over spiritual welfare would also, so how is it than anyone with the right personality can open a church or a faith-based organization? That personality is Antisocial, lying, deceiving, ungodly because the word of God says a novice cannot be entrusted with the souls of mankind.

“if a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work…Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil.” (I Timothy 3:1-6)

Not everyone qualifies to serve in God’s Kingdom.

“there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit [be part of the ruling family of] eternal life?

Then Jesus beholding him loved him [felt drawn to him, identified with him, wanted to be a close companion with him], and said unto him…go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.

And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples…Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom [rulership] of God!

Then Peter, at his baseline intensely emotional, desperate for approval, and without question jealous of the signs of approval and desire for connection that Jesus gave to this man, began to say unto him,

Lo, WE have left [given up the pursuit of riches] all, and have followed thee!

And Jesus answered in response to Peter’s annoying habit of always trying to make himself the singular Jonathan to the son of David,

“Verily / Mark my words I say unto you –

Peter, Peter, you especially – so pay attention – you can’t do the job alone. We need an army, so quit pushing others aside,

There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel’s, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands,

Ooh, sounds good! And the disciples are looking at each other with raised eyebrows and vigorous nods of approval and shoving each others’ shoulders in expressions of close comradeship more restrained in the public venue than the bearhugs with wild footwork dances of joy they really feel, so Jesus has to pause then raise his voice to get their attention back on him;

WITH PERSECUTIONS;

This effectively throws ice water over the celebration, but as always Peter is in the front row waving his hand wildly to get the teacher’s attention (I have a photo of me doing exactly this, so now you know how I understand Peter so well…)

Then answered [stubbornly ever learning but not yet able to come to the knowledge of the truth II Timothy 3:7] Peter and said unto him, Behold, WE have forsaken [relationships with our families who think we’re insane] all, and followed thee; what shall WE have therefore?

Peter was stubborn, true, but he had a point.

And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets [means of support] and followed him. And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them. And they immediately left the ship and their father [who was undoubtedly yelling curses after them for abandoning him], and followed him.” (Matthew 4)

Why on earth would Peter, Andrew, James and John do such a thing? Because they hungered and thirsted after righteousness more than food or family relationships, and following Jesus was obviously the next step  to achieving that had been taught by John the Baptizer who quoted from Isaiah, “Prepare ye the way of the Lord.”

“Then he called his twelve disciples together, and…he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. And he said unto them, Take nothing for your journey, neither staves [ to lean on for support or as weapons] nor scrip / bag for future provisions like lunch, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece. 

And whatsoever [even the poorest hovel where they are also housing their animals, a not-uncommon practice] house ye enter into [by invitation only of course], there abide [stay, don’t bail out at the first better offer] and thence depart [at the very end of your ministry in that town].” (Luke 9)

I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves…they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;” (Matthew 10:16-17)

And Jesus acknowledges what they have sacrificed for his ministry.

And Jesus said unto them, Verily I say unto you

1. “ye which have followed me [now during this time of battle to reclaim my kingdom]
   1. in the [future] regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel…

Peter mouths “Yes!” while performing a fist pump, then his expression fades as Jesus continues

1. And [also] every one that hath forsaken / disconnected from houses [family connections meeting basic human needs], or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake,
   1. shall receive an hundredfold [now in connections with the household of faith]
   2. and shall [also like you twelve] inherit [rulership over the means of attaining] everlasting life.” (Matthew 19)
   3. [as well as] in the world to come eternal life / permanent connection with the Singularity source of life (Mark 10:17-30)

The content presumes an understanding of of the connection between sitting upon a throne and inheriting everlasting life.

Eternal life / restoration of connection with the Singularity Creator Source of Life is just the basic package of salvation

“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” (Ephesians 2:8)

Additional benefits are offered to those willing to pay the price to qualify for a position of responsibility in the kingdom, i.e. the government.

As he has done throughout history, YHVH’s Savior shares the kingdom, the power, and the glory with his brothers, the sons of God who stand in battle with him against the Adversary.

“Abel…Enoch…Noah…Abraham…Isaac…Jacob…Joseph…Moses…the time would fail me to tell of Gedeon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthae; of David also, and Samuel, and of the prophets: Who through faith

• subdued kingdoms,
• wrought righteousness, 
• obtained promises,
• stopped the mouths of lions. 
• Quenched the violence of fire,
• escaped the edge of the sword, 
• out of weakness were made strong,
• waxed valiant in fight,
• turned to flight the armies of the aliens…
• and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance; that they might obtain a better resurrection: 
• And others had trial of cruel mockings and scourgings,
• yea, moreover of bonds and imprisonment: 
• They were stoned,
• they were sawn asunder,
• were tempted,
• were slain with the sword:
• they wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins; being destitute, afflicted, tormented…
• wandered in deserts, and in mountains, and in dens and caves of the earth. 

And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise…that they without US should not be made perfect…“(Hebrews 11)

And “us” are the Hebrew people previously known as Gentiles.

“remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles…aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: But now in Mashiach Yeshua ye are… fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household / chosen servants of God;” (Ephesian 2:9-19)

We lose our identity as Gentiles / Not the People of God when we identify with Yeshua haMeshiach King of Israel.

“Now he which stablisheth us [Israelites] with you [former Gentiles] in The Anointed One/ Messiah / Christ, and hath anointed us, is God;” (II Corinthians 1:21)

“Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not cry, nor lift up, nor cause his voice to be heard in the street. A bruised reed shall he not break, and the smoking flax shall he not quench: he shall bring forth judgment unto truth. He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law. Thus saith God the LORD, he that created the heavens, and stretched them out; he that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; he that giveth breath unto the people upon it, and spirit to them that walk therein: I the LORD have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles.” (Isaiah 42:1-10)

“That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Esaias the prophet, saying, Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit upon him, and he shall shew judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not strive, nor cry; neither shall any man hear his voice in the streets. A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory. And in his name shall the Gentiles trust.” (Matthew 12:14-21)

This is not just a prophecy about Jesus Christ. As the Ethiopian eunuch astutely pointed out, it also applies to those who are chosen to take on his name / attributes / power through baptism / immersion into his identity.

“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you...Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. But all these things will they do unto you for my name’s sake / namesake, because they know not him that sent me. If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloak for their sin…But when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceedeth from the Father, he shall testify of me; And ye also shall bear witness…he will reprove the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment:” (John 15:16-27, 16:8)

For we are…created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)

Yeah. That goes back to the initial covenant with humanity.

“And God…said unto them, Be fruitful, and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it: and have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over every living thing that moveth upon the earth.” (Genesis 1:28)

“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called…For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry…followers of God, as dear children; And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God.” (Ephesians 2:11-5)

 

The descendants of Ishmael are an important part of the history and culture of the Middle East. Ishmael, the father of 12 sons and a daughter, is recognized in both Muslim and Jewish faiths as the ancestor of several prominent Arab tribes. According to Islamic tradition, Ishmael settled in Mecca after being banished to the desert following the birth of Isaac, his half-brother by Abraham.

“But my covenant [of rulership over the kingdom through the Seed of the Woman] will I establish with Isaac.” (Genesis 17:18-23) 

This covenant was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. “thou crownedst him with glory and honour, and didst set him over the works of thy hands: Thou hast put all things in subjection under his feet.” (Hebrews 2:7-8)

So when his co-rulers didn’t get on board, rule in the kingdom under Jesus Christ was transferred from the Jews to the Apostles to Ephraim to Gentiles.

And when the Gentiles failed to rule in righteousness, the LORD entered into judgment with the ancients of his people once again, and who else could God transfer leadership to but to the Hebrew Ishmael, brother of Isaac, son of Abraham.

1. Unto the sons of the concubines, which Abraham had, Abraham gave gifts, and sent them away from
2. Isaac his son” (Genesis 25:5-6)

In this passage only Isaac is called Abraham’s son, not the “sons of the concubines”, 

Ishmael is a biblically legal son of Abraham because he

• received him / accepted what he offered,
• and therefore was given [legal] power / rights, authority, jurisdiction, inheritance rights to become [after proven by his actions] one of the sons of Abraham’s God,
• even to them that believe on his name / attribute of YHVH:” (John 1:12)

Ishmael’s inheritance is not documented in this portion of scripture because it was previously detailed.

“And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee / in thy presence serving in thy kingdom as a prince before the King of the world!

And God said…I have heard / agreed to thee…I will make him [one of your many nations] a great nation [Islam / Submission to God.”] (Genesis 17:18-20)

And Ishmael’s land grant –  from Havilah unto Shur, that is before Egypt, as thou goest toward Assyria (Genesis 25:16-17), the trade route between the two wealthiest nations, becoming the trade route between East and West of the entire world from that time until our own modern era, is part of Abraham’s total land grant.

” LORD made a covenant with Abram, saying, Unto thy seed have I given this land, from the river of Egypt unto the great river, the river Euphrates:” (Genesis 15:18) 

If you can’t believe that there can be righteous Muslims it may be because you attribute righteousness and wickedness to entire nations, when it is patently clear that there are wicked Jews like Netanyahu carrying out genocide and ethnic cleansing on Palestinians exactly as the Christian Nazis did to Jews in Europe, and Religious Right Christians supporting President Trumps’ unconstitutional and cruel treatment of non-white immigrants to the US, pervasive lying, covering up of his sex crimes, and warmongering.

Righteousness is a personal relationship with God proven through carrying out his covenantal way of living. It is not cultural dogma demonstrated one day a week in a social setting.

• “And Abraham was ninety years old and nine, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.
• And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.
  • Old enough to understand what he was sacrificing, and big enough to refuse to give up the greatest concentration of sexual pleasure sensors if he chose to. Compare the Western outrage against female circumcision.
• In the selfsame day was Abraham circumcised, and Ishmael his son.” (Genesis 17:24-26)
  • In a joining ceremony like wedding or adoption, Ishmael CHOSE to accept Abraham’s GOD’S offer to become his son / heir.
  • Muslims are still the largest single religious group to circumcise boys. In the Sunnah (the Prophet Muhammad‘s recorded words and actions), Muhammad stated that circumcision was a “law for [Islamic] men.”

God’s reason for having “sons” is not to lavish them with self-indulgence either now or in the hereafter, but to have a reciprocal relationship in which we share his workload of Creation and Salvation as well as the rewards of victory over adversity, achievable only by developing into his likeness through personal experiences.