PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 17:20-21
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“The kingdom of God is in your midst.” (Luke 17:21)
What do you think about when you hear ‘kingdom of God’?
Or when you pray ‘your kingdom come, your will be done’?
The Jews of Jesus day expected David’s kingdom to be restored.
The Romans would be gone, the Jews would be a free nation.
Jesus says the kingdom cannot be observed like that.
Rather it is something that we experience within or among us.
The Greek word can have both meanings, and I see both as helpful.
The kingdom is experienced when we surrender to God’s rule in Jesus.
This is a heart matter, as I commit to living with, like and for Jesus.
But this is not JUST inward, it shows itself wherever I go…
In every relationship, conversation and interaction with others.
It is not geographical, it is relational, across national borders.
I carry the kingdom within me, and it shows itself wherever I go.
How do people around me experience Jesus’s will in my life?
PRAYER
Lord, as I reflect your character and purpose, may others experience the kingdom of God in and around me.
“Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.”
Often we think that the kingdom of God comes later – at the end of time but that seems to be only partially true. When I met Jesus – I met the kingdom of God – he is my present and future. Even in difficult circumstances, and I’ve had them, Jesus is there for me and He will see me through or take me home – so I walk with the Kingdom now – even though it doesn’t seem like it. But I have confidence because my confidence is in Jesus – the eternal son of God – my Saviour!
God’s Kingdom is here and now – but only in part. Those who belong to Him and do His will are part of that Kingdom – Jesus followers. Those around His followers are able to see the difference by our love – by living for Jesus. Help me Lord each day to do just that. Living Your Way.
1. Living for Jesus, a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do;
Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me.
Refrain:
O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee,
For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me;
I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne;
My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.
2. Living for Jesus Who died in my place,
Bearing on Calv’ry my sin and disgrace;
Such love constrains me to answer His call,
Follow His leading and give Him my all.
3. Living for Jesus, wherever I am,
Doing each duty in His holy Name;
Willing to suffer affliction and loss,
Deeming each trial a part of my cross.
4. Living for Jesus through earth’s little while,
My dearest treasure, the light of His smile;
Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem,
Bringing the weary to find rest in Him.