Kingdom of God
I. Kingdom of God and Servanthood
Jesus came to the world to establish the kingdom of God. For that matter he established churches. A church is an agent for the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God has its domain throughout the world - the geographical domain, people as the citizens, and the culture. The kingdom of God is in the midst of the believers. The kingdom will consummate when Jesus returns and will be established permanently on the land of Israel. A millennium will begin at that time.
We, the church, are the agents for the kingdom of God. An agent means a servant. We serve for the cause of the Jesus' kingdom. First, we strive to be the ones fitting as the citizens of the kingdom. It means spiritual growth, transformation of characters, and maturity in knowledge about the kingdom. We become disciples to propagate the kingdom. A disciple is the one who brings others to the kingdom citizens. He/She works to make others grow spiritually, transform their characters, and mature in knowledge about the kingdom. Naturally, a disciple should be an evangelist. His/Her primary role is to deliver the message of Christ, that is, the gospel.
A disciple is a kingdom servant. He receives spiritual gifts to perform his/her duty. Some may receive more prominent gifts, others may receive less prominent gifts. But the gifts are given by the Holy Spirit according to their roles. Disciples work exercising the gifts they have received. No disciple takes a higher or lower position before Christ. No disciple should boast about his/her success in ministry. Each one performs his/her role and duty, and remains as a servant.
II. Reward in Heaven
The rewards in heaven that disciples will receive may have difference in honor, glory and size, but the rewards are shared with other believers in heaven. This point can be illustrated by the analogy below:
In Pennsylvania, United States, there is a beautiful botanical garden, named Longwood Gardens. It was created by Pierre du Pont, an American entrepreneur and philanthropist. He opened the garden to the public free of charge (although now it charges admission). The garden is his (now belongs to a foundation, which is under the control of trustees) but shared with the public.
Likewise, rewards in heaven, be they estates or mansions, are shared with other believers in heaven. It is known that Elijah has been rewarded with a grand estate and a great mansion in heaven. His estate is known to be several tens of thousand miles across. His mansion is glorious and beautiful made with gold and precious gem stones. But would he prevent anyone coming to visit his estate or mansion? Would he ask for permission to do so? If he does so, he is more selfish than Pierre du Pont. He only has the title of the ownership of his estate and mansion. His reward is shared by everybody.
How does a mansion look like? It is obvious that a mansion does not have a bathroom, for no one feels the urge to use a bathroom. Nobody needs to take a shower, either. It may not have bedrooms, either because the believers in heaven would not feel tired. Besides, people in heaven do not have children or spouses, so they do not need many bedrooms. No guest would stay overnight in someone else's mansion. Therefore, there in no need to have multiple bedrooms. Will a mansion have a kitchen? Probably not. People eat fruits in heaven and fruits are plentiful outside on the trees. Why would anyone need to cook! Then, what does a mansion have inside? Probably a large living room to receive and entertain guests. There may be a study to learn new things. There may be a room for play musical instruments and sing. There may be some other rooms for other purposes. But all in all, a mansion is pretty much an empty space. So why desire for a mansion? If a mansion causes the receiver boastful, that is contrary to the principle of the Lord. All told, I believe the rewards in heaven are equal to everybody. What each person receives differently is the ownership (title) of the rewards.
III. Attitude of Disciple
The heavenly rewards are shared, hence, equal to everybody. They are public goods in heaven. Disciples, while on earth, should know that fact, and become free from the obsession to receive a better reward. One should rather be motivated by servanthood, that is, I do what I am called to do exercising the spiritual gifts that the Spirit has given me.
