Since its inception in Jerusalem on the day of Pentecost—seven weeks after Jesus’ resurrection—the church (the kingdom Jesus prayed for in Matthew 6:10) has faced perpetual denigration by Satan and his allies. This ought not be surprising because “what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God” (Luke 16:15) and vice versa. “The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone” (Psalm 118:22; Matthew 21:42; 1 Peter 2:7) is true.
What a vast and vivid contrast there is between God’s opinion of the kingdom of heaven on earth and popular thinking. Jesus clearly states God’s kingdom is worthy of our prayerful attention (Matthew 6:10). Do your prayers agree?
Throughout the Old Testament there is a singularity of purpose. There is only one theme: The King (i.e. the Messiah) with His kingdom is coming.
Regardless of how bleak the present circumstances were for Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob’s children, there ever was an unchanging beacon of hope on the horizon—the King with His kingdom was coming. Not only was God going to become flesh and dwell among us—i.e. Immanuel—this King was going to establish His kingdom of heaven on earth.
And He did.
Christ’s establishment and building of His church is history’s most stunning, exquisite, and enduring monument to God’s sovereignty and providence.
