August 2, 2019 THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NEAR
John 18:36 “Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If MY kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews; but as it is, MY kingdom is not of this realm.”
Romans 14:17 “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
The kingdom of God is not a worldly kingdom nor a political kingdom. It is interesting that Jesus was not a crusader against various ills of society; he did not protest or lead boycotts. (I’m not saying it is wrong to boycott if God calls you to do so.) Jesus came to redeem us and to restore us, and that included making us new creations with new natures; He came to transfer us out of the kingdom of darkness (this world system) to the kingdom of God. Even in this fallen world that opposes God, we are now a part of the kingdom of God and we will be a part of His kingdom for all eternity. When we are made new, we get a new heart, a new mind, and new spirit, and this new heart, new mind and new spirit is the kingdom of God in us. Instead of looking for the kingdom of God somewhere outside of us, let us understand that it is in us! When we experience the kingdom of God in us, we view the world differently; instead of judging the world, we see the world through eyes of compassion because it is lost, it is dark; it should be no surprise to us that it is natural for those who do not know God to live in an ungodly way. The kingdom of God in us enables us to respond to the circumstances of life in a way that is contrary to how the world responds; for example, we bless those who curse us; we love our enemies; we forgive others; and etc. Living in and experiencing the kingdom of God in our hearts changes everything-it’s the ultimate freedom. Just to realize that it is not our place to judge or to point out the wrongs of others is a ‘load off our backs.’ Our calling and our purpose-and our privilege-is simple and clear; we are to go about life, walking in the kingdom and doing the things that children of God’s kingdom do. Actually, the whole idea is that our life resembles the life Jesus lived and demonstrated. We must stop underestimating the power of God in us-He has already made us new-we are the ones who are to represent His kingdom in this world. We are no longer a part of the world system; we have new desires and appetites in life; the power of sin has been broken; we live in the light of God. Let us pray that His kingdom would come in this world; let us vote for the right candidates, let us be a part of working for the good of society, etc., but most importantly, let us live hour by hour experiencing His kingdom. Indeed His kingdom is very near-it’s in our hearts, ready to be expressed. It’s possible for believers not to live or experience kingdom life in their heart; Romans 12:2 is a warning to believers: “And do not be conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God.
Luke 17:21 “Nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.”
Blessings,
Buddy
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