Where is God's Kingdom?
Journal Tuesday, January 6, 2015
Scripture
Luke 17:20-21English Standard Version (ESV)
The Coming of the Kingdom
20 Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, 21 nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.”[a]
Observation
Where is the evidence that there is a Kingdom of God? The Kingdom of God is much different from an earthly kingdom that many were looking for. They were concern with signs and times when God will take over the world. Christ tells us that the Kingdom is not as concrete as that. God’s Kingdom is not like earthly kingdoms. It is a spiritual kingdom that is already among us. It is inside believers and is working in the mist of this world.
Application
Sometimes we get too concerned about signs of the times, the end of days and signs for the return of Christ. While the Bible does say that we are to read the signs, we are not waiting for the Kingdom of God to come. The Kingdom of God is here now. It is working throughout this physical earth and the work of God is being accomplished. There are signs that is it exist, but we cannot always see it. Most important, it is within us, making us a critical part of God’s plan. We look forward to the return of Christ but we are not waiting for the Kingdom of God. We are to live breath and move in the Kingdom of God now. We proclaim now that Christ is present to change lives. God’s power is present to enable us to overcome. Things that are happening in the spiritual world now will reveal themselves in the physical world later. That does not mean that we have to wait to experience them. The work of Christ has brought God’s kingdom among us.
Prayer
Lord reveal your Kingdom work. We wish to see changed lives by the power of the Holy Spirit and the work of Christ. Perform signs and wonders with healing. Reveal to us the power and the presence of Your Kingdom. Help us to be constantly engaged in Your kingdom work. Let the power of Your Kingdom move ahead of us and behind us.
