Understanding the Kingdom of GodSample

The Kingdom of God and the Covenant

When we apply for a job, we hand our CV (curriculum vitae or resume) to an employer. Our CV will show the employer our qualifications and work experience. This information will show the employer whether or not we are qualified to do the work required for the position we are applying for. Now, it would not only be unethical for us to lie on our CV about our qualifications and work experience, but it would also lead to some difficult conversations when our employer discovers that we are not really as qualified as our CV claims (especially after they have already hired us).

In a way, the Torah (or the Law of Moses) functions like a CV. On the one hand, the Torah can be seen as the CV that accurately reflects the character of God. For example, Deuteronomy 5:20 tells us that lying is wrong. God never lies. The Law’s prohibition against lying reflects God’s perfect truthfulness.

On the other hand, the Torah can also be seen as a CV for the nation of Israel. The commands and stipulations of the Law were intended to be accurately reflected by the nation’s way of conduct. By walking according to the Law, Israel would not only accurately reflect the Law but also accurately reflect God’s very character. The Israelites would become a witness of God’s righteousness and goodness to the nations around them. These nations would then be persuaded to abandon their idols and worship Yahweh as their God and King. This would fulfill the promise God made to Abraham that all the nations of the earth shall be blessed through his offspring.

The Ten Commandments are also a covenant agreement between Israel and God. Because God met His covenantal obligations (by leading Israel out of slavery in Egypt), He now expects Israel to meet their obligations by walking according to His ways as stipulated in the Ten Commandments. The Israelites could trust God to be faithful because He had already saved them from slavery. God now entrusted the Law to Israel so they could live by it.

In short, the Covenant communicated this: God rules as King over Israel. The just reign of God was in the midst of His people. The big question is: Was Israel faithfully able to adhere to God’s Law? Did the Israelites’ way of conduct reflect God’s character or not? The story will unfold in the next few sessions.

Read and reflect on the Ten Commandments in Deuteronomy 5:1-21. What does this passage tell us about

1. God’s character?
2. How God wants His people to live?