This episode revisits the theme of Meta Narratives or "Big Stories" of the Bible by exploring the subject of Kingdom. Along with Covenant, Kingdom is shown to not merely be a subject matter IN the Bible but they essentially form the subject matter OF the Bible. While Covenant is associated with the idea of relationship, Kingdom is closely connected to the idea of representation. In Genesis 1:26-28, the Bible details that God created humans both for Covenant Relationship and Kingdom Representation. To underscore the importance of representing God, Dr. Romano teaches about the importance of image bearing. In short, being an image bearer is the believer's highest calling. Rather than merely a collection of attributes and abilities, being made in the image of God involves carrying a status through which God purposes to reveal Himself and His ways. The episode further looks into the life of Jesus as an image bearer. Throughout His earthly ministry, He perfectly personified what it means to represent and image God by His allegiance and obedience to the Father. It is through His example that we see the picture of Covenant Relationship and Kingdom Representation clearly on display. Further, it is through His death, resurrection and ascension that we find both the fulfillment of God's use of Covenants as a channel of establishing His Kingdom on the earth AND a gateway for Jesus' followers (of every age) to continue the mission of God in expanding the Kingdom throughout all of the earth. In this way, Jesus shares God's rule and authority with His Church and commissions them to faithfully follow His lead in imaging and representing God and His Kingdom in every aspect of their lives.
Scriptures: Psalm 118:24; 2 Tim. 3:16-17; Gen. 1:26-28; Gen. 3; John 14:8-9; Matt. 28:18-20.
Music: "On My Way," by Justin Jollie.
