Recently, we took an impromptu poll of some 24 brethren and sisters asking them two questions: 1) What do you personally look forward to in the kingdom? and 2) If given a choice, what job would you like to do in the kingdom?
The questions may seem presumptuous as all of us must face the judgment seat of Christ and none of us knows whether we will be regarded faithful by the Lord. Yet, “Without a vision the people perish” (Prov. 29:18), and we are told, “It is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom” (Luke 12:32). While we may yet fall from God’s grace, we surely must have a clear view of the joy set before us if we are to have a reasonable chance of overcoming the flesh and being faithful to the end.
A variety of answers
Of those asked, over 20% admitted they had not thought about doing anything in particular in the kingdom and had a problem seeing themselves there in a real, practical sense. Several others replied that they looked forward to being free of our sin-prone nature. Some were even more specific. More than one looked forward to being able to sing with a perfect voice; a disabled sister anticipates being able to kneel again, and some look forward to being able to speak with the saints of old.
When it came to specific jobs more than one was vague and had a general idea of just doing as they were told. Many, however, did have some interesting ideas. Several look forward to preaching to friends and neighbors who have rejected them now, and one sister would particularly like to go to China. Two sisters who enjoy cooking would like to supervise food preparation for those visiting Jerusalem. Two brethren expressed a desire to rule over a city and three would like to be involved in agriculture or animal husbandry. Obviously, for those giving such specific answers, the kingdom is very real.
Many jobs to be done
There will be war, earthquakes and great devastation as Christ establishes his authority over a truculent world. The recent Gulf War and typhoon in Bangladesh give us a sample of the conditions that will exist on a much wider scale.
After Armageddon, there will be many orphans to be cared for. The homeless, widows and elderly will need care, and a massive rebuilding program will need to be organized. And the holy city, Yahweh Shammah, and the temple will have to be built. Therefore, there will be great need for all of the saints to be very active in the initial years of getting the kingdom started.
Education in God’s way will be required throughout the world for, “Out of Zion shall go forth the law…Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the LORD” (Isa. 2:3; Zech. 8:22).
The mortal population will need instruction in the order of service in the temple; they must be taught the songs of Zion; the yearly expeditions to Jerusalem must be organized and those coming must be fed and housed. Surely this is a work for the saints.
“Then will I turn to the people a pure language, that they may all call upon the name of the LORD, to serve him with one consent” (Zeph. 3:9). Perhaps Babel will be reversed in a miraculous manner but more likely language teachers will be required on a massive scale.
“There shall be an handful of corn in the earth upon the top of the mountains; the fruit thereof shall shake like Lebanon” (Psa. 72:16). A fair distribution of an abundant food supply will need to be supervised and proper farming methods will be taught throughout the world.
New educational and judicial systems will have to be established and run. The principles of God will be the heart of the school curriculum, and justice, righteousness and peace will be the basis of the laws governing the mortal population.
Preparing for that time
We do well to contemplate the kingdom in real terms and think of our possible role in it. We do well to talk about these things one with another so that our interest in and longing for that day will be increased.
“They that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance [the Bible] was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels” (Mal. 3:16-17).
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One