The greatest aspect of the "kingdom of God" is the end to this worldly "us against them" attitude.
Many preach many different things, but few preach the gospel "of the kingdom" -or understand it enough to preach it accurately.
It will be what ALL nations desire -though they do not see it for what it is.
It is preceded by the greatest time of trouble -of us against them -that ever was or ever will be -but will be the end of it (with one exception).
It is a literal kingdom which will literally rule the entire earth -teaching all nations the way of peace -then beyond.
Hag 2:6 For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land;
Hag 2:7 And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts.
Some speak of Israel being God's chosen people -and this angers some others -but what they were chosen to do was to be a blessing to other nations.
Deu 14:2 For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.
The above translation may be taken by some to suggest Israel is greater than any other nation in the eyes of God, but the word for "above" means "from among".
He chose Israel -it is true -but he chose them to be FIRST IN ALL THINGS -good things and bad things. This does not mean that they are greater of themselves -but that they would be the beginning of God making all nations greater.
Rom 2:9 Tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;
Rom 2:10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:
Rom 2:11 For there is no respect of persons with God.
I like to think of it as people waiting in line for a bus. It doesn't matter who gets on the bus first -they all go to the same place.
It can also be viewed this way -the Jews are going someplace awesome, but it's going to be a horrendous journey.... let's let the Jews go first!
From the perspective of the kingdom of God -which will be for all and forever -earthly advantage means nothing! Earthly bloodlines mean nothing -except that God began with Israel and will bless others by Israel.
It will not be as earthly kingdoms which are set against each other and even themselves. It will be one kingdom -not divided -which will be the beginning of peace, fairness and equality for all on earth -and beyond.
It is the beginning of everyone having the potential to live forever with creative power similar to that of the creator -and going out to inhabit and beautify the universe -perhaps beyond.
Jerusalem is now central to world events -and will continue to be as nations are drawn into conflict.
It will also be the location of the beginning of the literal kingdom of God. Nations will be set against each other -but God will be calling people out of ALL nations to rule with him -not just from Israel. Even while the nations war against each other, God will be calling many out of every nation to very soon rule with him and to teach all nations the way of peace!
Rev 7:9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;..........................................................
Rev 7:13 And one of the elders answered, saying unto me, What are these which are arrayed in white robes? and whence came they?
Rev 7:14 And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.
Rev 7:15 Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them.
Rev 7:16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat.
Rev 7:17 For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.
Rev 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
Rev 5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
Rev 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
(...and all others who have ever died -Israel and all others -will be raised to the judgment after the thousand years and be judged according to their works -NOT their earthly beliefs, but what they did. Even the judgment is not all gloom and doom.)
God will bless the human nation of Israel on earth at that time, and they will essentially be the human branch of his government -but from Jerusalem Christ will rule the whole earth -along with those of all nations who were made immortal at the first resurrection -but this "government" will not be as human government. It will truly be for those who will be governed. It is said he will rule with a rod of iron and rebuke nations afar off -but this is so that he can bring them to eternal life -and the "rebuke" in those days will be gentle compared to the trouble which has been and will be before he rules.
It will bring them to him -he will bring peace to Earth -and he will bring them all to eternal life.
Isa 2:2 And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.
Isa 2:3 And many people shall go and say, Come ye, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
Isa 2:4 And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more
Mic 4:4 But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken it.
Mic 4:5 For all people will walk every one in the name of his god, and we will walk in the name of the LORD our God for ever and ever.
In the end, we will all have forever -all sorrow will be wiped away -everyone will serve everyone and do each other good -so what does it matter who is first? God is equal.
