God's Kingdom as Shalom and Blessedness

The language of "kingdom" may seem a little archaic today, and maybe even odd to people who have turned their backs on human monarchies. But the reign of God, the kingdom of God, is a marvelous vision of a sphere, in which God's will, God's prescriptive will, is now normative, and not only practiced in the outward dynamics of that society and culture, but is owned in the hearts and minds and will of all its constituent members. This kingdom of God is one characterized by shalom and blessedness and righteousness and peace and joy. It is the fulfillment of all our deepest longings in human relationships and in life together.