“Nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.” – Luke 17:21
The Kingdom of God isn’t some far off future thing. Jesus is emphatic that the Kingdom of God is here already. When Jesus first began His earthly ministry, He established the Kingdom of God here on Earth. Today, the Kingdom is everywhere that Jesus is worshiped and praised. The Kingdom is everywhere that souls are saved, lives are transformed, and sinful people are forgiven, cleansed, and reconciled to their holy Creator. The Kingdom is where the people of God labor in the power of God to care for the sick, the poor, the oppressed, and the vulnerable in the name of Jesus.
Before the Kingdom of God broke in, everything in this world was the domain of darkness. It was the domain of the devil. When Jesus came, God’s Kingdom of light, holiness, and beauty began breaking in and pushing back the borders of darkness. The spiritually dead were raised to life. People experienced and expressed true love through Jesus Christ. God could be known and worshiped as He is.
If you’ve been saved by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ, then you’re already a citizen of God’s Kingdom. It isn’t merely something you’ll experience when Jesus returns (that’s when He’ll complete the Kingdom). You’re already living in the Kingdom! Recognize God’s Kingdom in your life, your church, and your community. Live in obedience to the teachings and example of Jesus. Have the values and character of the King. Work for the Kingdom. Delight in the Kingdom. Invite people into the Kingdom. Don’t miss the blessing of everyday Kingdom living because you think it’s something down the road. The Kingdom of God is in your midst! #FollowJesus