Thy Kingdom come Oh God, thy rule Oh Christ begin...
Many faiths share the concept of a reward after death, and that an almighty power will reign over everyone there. Where there are differences however is when this will happen. The Bible teaches that God's kingdom will come on earth, and that Jesus will be given power over all the rulers of the earth.
The vision of Nebuchadnezzar showed a kingdom that would smash all the other to dust and New Testament prophesies show a similar image. Jesus will be all powerful, the King of kings.
The kingdom of God is also referred to as the Kingdom of Heaven. This was because Jews/Matthew did not want to use God in the first person, because of their tradition. This doesn't refer to the kingdom being in heaven at all, but that it is a kingdom of heaven, in other words ruled by God and Jesus and being of heavenly perfection.
Any kingdom needs a king. Old Testament Bible prophecies mention that it will be a descendant of King David, that he will be the 'lion of the tribe of Judah'. We know this to be Jesus Christ. So the promises made to David, and those made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob will also come to pass in one event.
Now a king needs symbols of kingship. Most notable of these are
If we look at each of these in more detail it might help us to recognise our role and relationship with Christ.
This is the symbol of authority on the head. What is really interesting is that this symbol is the one that can also be associated with us. There's numerous verses in the New Testament which refer to us obtaining a crown. In Paul's second letter to Timothy he writes "Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing". Both James and Peter express similar sentiments.
This symbol of authority was held in the hand. Basically it was a staff, but as it lost its humble roots was shortened into a rod or an ornate baton. There's quite a few references in to Old Testament, but only a few in the New. Jesus' sceptre is described as "a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom" in the letter to the Hebrews.
Originally the sceptre was a weapon, admittedly not very effective as other weapons developed, but still something capable of causing damage. The rod was a symbol of punishment. Revelation 12:5 highlights this in a dramatic way; it says Jesus "was to rule all nations with a rod of iron".
The throne is the most common symbol of kingship. It is also linked with king David. (Luke 1:32)
This is reserved for those of special importance, but like the crown it is not only for the Lord Jesus. Matthew and Luke records Jesus words that the disciples will sit on twelve thrones. The book with the most references to the throne can be found in the Revelation of St John. Throne is not always associated with the royal chair, but can also mean the royal residence or city. Revelation 3:21 says this To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne".
We look forward to that day, when we will see Jesus sitted on his throne and join in with the praise to Him.
"And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever."