PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 17:20-25
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“The kingdom of God is in your midst (inside of you).” (Luke 17:21)
The people were expecting God’s kingdom to come with political, military power.
The enemies of the land would be sent packing, and God’s rule would begin.
Jesus says that this is not how the kingdom comes in power.
It does come in power, but its power is unleashed within us, to change us.
Jesus literally says ‘inside of you’ but this is interpreted ‘in your midst’.
The reason seems to be because he was talking to the Pharisees, who rejected him.
How could God’s kingdom be within the Pharisees, whose hearts were closed.
But this is no different than a military Jesus showing up in Rome-occupied land.
Through Jesus God’s power (the Spirit) is invading you to humble, help and heal you.
Not all perceive (‘here it is, there it is’) but things are happening.
Not all receive it (‘rejected by this generation’), but he is still working.
Think of people you know who do not accept Jesus – the kingdom is working in them too!
Think of your own struggles and growth areas – the kingdom is working in you too!
We may not perceive it, but will we receive it, and cooperate willingly?
PRAYER
Lord, you have taught me to welcome your kingdom power in my heart. May your kingdom come, may your will be done in my heart as it is in heaven!
Lord help us remember we do not work for the sake of the deadline, but work in SPITE of the deadline – even though we do not know when the day of the Son of Man will be upon us, help us work as if today is the day.
Jesus said that I am a temple of the living God – he has sent his HS to commune with me – so Jesus kingdom is here now in his people – but it is not fully here – Jesus in person is still with the Father – but He will return – like the lightening – we will clearly know when He comes again in full. But in the meantime we serve – guided by the HS- so many more may know Jesus.
In Christ alone our darkness is dispelled. He cancelled my/our debt and made me free – free to serve Him as a citizen of His Kingdom. As He taught His disciples, I too need to pray that His Kingdom may come on earth as it is in heaven. He is in charge and needs to be the Ruler of my heart.
In Christ alone my hope is found
He is my light, my strength, my song
This cornerstone, this solid ground
Firm through the fiercest drought and storm
What heights of love, what depths of peace
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease
My comforter, my all in all
Here in the love of Christ I stand