A Kingdom Forever

I Chronicles 17:11-14

I have seen some big houses, but never a castle in person. Due to fairytales and movies, we have this romantic view of castles. Kings, Queens, Princes, Princesses, balls, food, knights...you get the picture. In reality, it is nothing like we imagine it. If we could go back in time and visit, we really wouldn't like it. Despite the grandeur of the architecture, there is something to be said for indoor plumbing and air conditioning.

In I Chronicles 17, Israel was still pretty new to the who monarchy thing. Saul's reign was over and David's reign was established. In one of his relatively short periods of peace, David felt in his heart that God should have a house for the ark to dwell in. A permanent structure for the people to worship at, instead of a tent. God tells David that he would not build the house, but that David's son would. Then God makes David a promise.

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 And it shall come to pass, when thy days be expired that thou must go to be with thy fathers, that I will raise up thy seed after thee, which shall be of thy sons; and I will establish his kingdom. 12 He shall build me an house, and I will stablish his throne for ever. 13 I will be his father, and he shall be my son: and I will not take my mercy away from him, as I took it from him that was before thee: 14 But I will settle him in mine house and in my kingdom for ever: and his throne shall be established for evermore.

I Chronicles 17:11-14

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At first glance, this scripture would appear to speak of Solomon. He was David's heir to the throne and he built the temple. His throne was established, and a descendent of David ruled as the King of Judah until their captivity in Babylon. However, if this only speaks of Solomon, then it would appear that God's promise was not true. God's promise was not specifically about Solomon. He spoke more of a coming King and a different kingdom.

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Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.”

37Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.”

John 18:36, 37

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The heir that God was actually promising, that would sit on the throne forever, was the Messiah. Jesus is the King of kings. His kingdom, the Kingdom of Heaven, will stand for all eternity. He will reign from New Jerusalem. He is the descendent of David, but David also called him Lord (Psalm 110:1). God did indeed keep his promise with sending His Son to the earth. He is the only man that has ever lived who is qualified to be prophet, priest, and king. In the book of Revelation, John writes, "And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS" (Revelation 19:16).

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain

To receive power and riches and wisdom,

And strength and honor and glory and blessing!”

Revelation 5:12