We don’t have to look far to see the chaos around us—conflict, unrest, and uncertainty seem to be everywhere. While we might think things are worse than ever, human history is actually full of seasons like this. Even during the Pax Romana, a period of relative peace, tensions bubbled under the surface. Kingdoms have always risen and fallen, but there’s one kingdom that stands above them all: God’s Kingdom. The Bible tells us that God is in control, shaping the course of history and ultimately directing all things for His purposes.
Daniel 2:21 says, “He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and establishes kings.” This verse reassures us that no matter what happens on earth, God’s plan is never out of His control. He appoints rulers and allows kingdoms to rise and fall, but all within His greater purpose. Theologian J.I. Packer once put it this way: God “works all things according to the counsel of His will” (Ephesians 1:11). That means that, even when we don’t understand what’s happening, we can trust that He does, and He is at work in ways we may not see.
This truth comes into focus powerfully in Revelation 11:15, where we hear the promise, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He will reign forever and ever.” Imagine the early Christians hearing this, people who were facing real persecution and suffering at the hands of rulers like Nero. To them—and to us today—this verse is a reminder that all earthly powers are temporary. God’s Kingdom, in contrast, is eternal, and one day Jesus will fully reign over everything. This doesn’t mean we ignore the world around us, but it does mean we don’t have to live in fear. Our ultimate hope is not in any human government but in God, who holds everything in His hands.
The Bible encourages us to respect earthly authorities (Romans 13:1-7), obey laws that don’t contradict God’s commands, and pray for leaders (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Jesus Himself said, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s” (Matthew 22:21), meaning we fulfill our civic duties, but our loyalty to God comes first. When earthly laws oppose God’s commands, we follow Him, just as the early apostles did (Acts 5:29). This balance allows us to live in this world while keeping our hearts set on God’s eternal kingdom.
In Revelation, the trumpets and judgments are powerful symbols of both God’s mercy and His justice. They’re warnings and reminders of the need for humanity to repent. Psalm 2:1-2 describes how nations “rage” against God, yet He remains unshaken, and He will ultimately hold everyone accountable. This isn’t meant to make us fearful; instead, it’s meant to ground us in peace, knowing that God’s justice is real and His mercy is extended to all who turn to Him.
In Revelation 11:19, John sees God’s heavenly temple open, with the Ark of the Covenant visible—a sign of God’s faithful presence with His people. For John, this vision would have powerfully underscored that God’s promises are sure and that His Kingdom will indeed come. Today, we hold the same hope. Through Jesus, the veil has been torn, giving us access to God Himself. We live now in that truth and wait with expectation for His Kingdom to come fully.
While we’re here, we’re called to live as citizens of a different kind of kingdom, one marked by mercy, righteousness, and love. God’s rule is not just about power; it’s about healing and redemption. No matter what we face or what we see around us, we can rest in the truth that He is sovereign. The troubles of this world are temporary, but His Kingdom is forever.
Application Questions:
1. How does remembering that God is in control of history change how you feel about what’s happening in the world today?
2. How can you find a balance between respecting earthly authorities and staying true to God’s Kingdom?
3. What steps can you take this week to let go of fear and live in the peace that God’s sovereignty offers?
Week 4 | Kingdom Citizens Serve a Victorious King and Belong to a Victorious Kingdom
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