Text: Micah 4:1-13
When the new heavens and the new earth finally come, it will be the end of all sin, death, and suffering (Rev. 21:1-4). Hallelujah! All things will be made new.
Yet, prior to that time the Lord will establish his kingdom here on earth (cf. Matt. 6:10; Mark 1:14-15; Luke 13:18-21, 17:21; Col. 1:13-14). The Gospel message of this kingdom will penetrate into every dark corner of the globe, bringing light into the darkness. Moreover, as history slowly unfolds our Lord will bring about multiple fulfillments of what has been foretold through his prophets, until all is completely fulfilled on the Last Day (e.g. Isa. 2, Jer. 31, Mic. 4-5).
Thus, Micah’s prophecy is not just speaking about a 1000 year “kingdom age” on the earth. Instead, it is telling us of a kingdom that stretches from the beginning of our Lord’s earthly ministry on into eternity.
In this way we experience the “already, but not yet” aspect of Christ’s kingdom. It is already present, yet its consummation arrives when we celebrate the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Rev. 19:1-10).
[podcast]http://www.download.covenantfamilychurch.net/2008/mp3/2008_05_11_the_coming_kingdom_of_our_lord_part_1.mp3[/podcast]