Source: Hubblesite.org
Quite often in the Scriptures we read of kingdom of God. It has to be interpreted by its context. It might have a narrow meaning, such as the kingdom of heaven, as in Matthew. Or it could extend to all that God is Sovereign over. The kingdom of heaven is a kingdom that belongs to the Son. He is the King that is coming to take over that kingdom some day.
However, we read in Ephesians 1:9,10 that Christ is made Head over all things in heaven and earth. And we have to find out what the all things may be and also what heaven is meant.
In Colossians 1:20 we read about a reconciliation of the all things in which He is to have the preeminence. And they are in heaven and earth.
These and other passages show us that these all things in heaven and earth are the church and the principalities and powers in the heavenly places. The church at present is on earth, but some day will be in the heavenlies. Hence it is said right now to be translated into the kingdom of His dear Son. This then is not the kingdom here on earth which is Israel's hope, but a great kingdom beyond the stars which He also obtained by His faithfulness and obedience, even to the death of the cross.
There are some Christian faithful who believe our call is to restore the earth so Christ can reign here. Well, yes. Earth is part of His realm, and stewardship is a good work.
Paul reminds us that His kingdom is so much grander than that. What is grander still: Those who are in Christ are His brothers and sisters, adopted by the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. His realm is our realm. And that realm doesn't end at the limits of our atmosphere or the depths of earth's oceans.
Let me give you this to chew on: Jesus said be faithful in the little things so that we could be trusted with the big things. I don't think we really grasp just how big those things - the universe-spanning gardens and castles of His Kingdom - really are. If we did, I think it would bring new energy to our ecology efforts.
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