It's like missing the tree for the forest, as the old saying goes. If you don't see what's right in front of you you'll never see what's behind it.
"Now having been questioned by the Pharisees as to when the kingdom of God was coming, He answered them and said, "The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed; nor will they say, `Look, here it is!' or, `There it is!' For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst." (Luke 17:20-21)
The misguided religious leaders were looking for the kingdom but failed to recognize the king. It's comparable to a state visit by the President of the United States to a foreign country. Imagine the leader of that country saying to the U.S. President, "No, I don't want to see you; I want to see the United States". In essence he IS seeing the United States because he is seeing its most visible leader. He cannot expect to enjoy any of the benefits of the United States if he rejects its President.
Citizens of the kingdom of God are those who are keenly aware of its king. We recognize his breakthrough into human events over 2,000 years ago and we recognize His presence and role today. We are aware that He is calling out those who are responsive to become citizens and to gladly join in His kingdom-building work. We recognize that the process is underway of bringing all the enemies of God into submission to His appointed King, His Son.
For those who are its citizens, the world even now is alive with the kingdom! We see lives being regenerated and we see the kingdom declared and demonstrates through nature itself, as the parables of Jesus testify. The sin-damaged and battle-scarred world of today yields glimpses of its coming glory under the rulership of the King. Amidst its faults and flaws, the church shines as a kingdom community when it embodies the lofty standards of the Sermon On the Mount as well as all the teachings of King Jesus. The kingdom is alive and present even as we await its coming!
We are the tangible proof and evidence of the kingdom of God today. As those who have met the king and joined His kingdom, we are living representatives in the world. As we see the kingdom so others have opportunity to see it in and through us. What an awesome privilege and responsibility!
Steve
"Now having been questioned by the Pharisees as to when the kingdom of God was coming, He answered them and said, "The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed; nor will they say, `Look, here it is!' or, `There it is!' For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst." (Luke 17:20-21)
The misguided religious leaders were looking for the kingdom but failed to recognize the king. It's comparable to a state visit by the President of the United States to a foreign country. Imagine the leader of that country saying to the U.S. President, "No, I don't want to see you; I want to see the United States". In essence he IS seeing the United States because he is seeing its most visible leader. He cannot expect to enjoy any of the benefits of the United States if he rejects its President.
Citizens of the kingdom of God are those who are keenly aware of its king. We recognize his breakthrough into human events over 2,000 years ago and we recognize His presence and role today. We are aware that He is calling out those who are responsive to become citizens and to gladly join in His kingdom-building work. We recognize that the process is underway of bringing all the enemies of God into submission to His appointed King, His Son.
For those who are its citizens, the world even now is alive with the kingdom! We see lives being regenerated and we see the kingdom declared and demonstrates through nature itself, as the parables of Jesus testify. The sin-damaged and battle-scarred world of today yields glimpses of its coming glory under the rulership of the King. Amidst its faults and flaws, the church shines as a kingdom community when it embodies the lofty standards of the Sermon On the Mount as well as all the teachings of King Jesus. The kingdom is alive and present even as we await its coming!
We are the tangible proof and evidence of the kingdom of God today. As those who have met the king and joined His kingdom, we are living representatives in the world. As we see the kingdom so others have opportunity to see it in and through us. What an awesome privilege and responsibility!
Steve
posted by steve @ 12:28 PM
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