Seeing The KingdomSample

Kingdom Come Among the members of the Christian community a certain amount of confusion exists concerning the Kingdom of God. Two problems confront us. First, the Kingdom of God is portrayed through the Scriptures as a reign so striking in its beauty and power that all the nations of the world are captivated by it and eager to participate in it. So, where is that? Second, some people ask why, if the Kingdom of God had already come, or was to come in the lifetime of the first disciples – why did Jesus instruct His disciples, and us, to pray for its coming, as though it had not yet arrived? The answer to both these concerns is that the Kingdom of God has not yet come to earth. Not fully, at any rate. The prophets and the Book of Revelation describe the full and final coming of the Kingdom of God in terms of a paradise on earth. Certainly that aspect of the Kingdom of God is yet to come, and all sincere believers look forward to and long for that day. But we must believe, given the words of our Lord, that the Kingdom has come, is here, and is unfolding on earth, especially since, for the past 2,000 years, we have seen real evidence that something new and powerful has entered human history in the name of Jesus Christ (cf. Dan. 2:44, 45; Is. 9:6, 7). There is always room for the Kingdom to come even more. In our lives, and through our lives into all our relationships, roles, and responsibilities, the Lord Jesus intends to bring His rule of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Spirit to ever-greater presence and power (Rom. 14:17, 18). So let us pray for this increased coming of the Kingdom in and through our lives, and to seek it as our highest priority (Matt. 6:33). But how shall we know when it is advancing? Once we begin to understand the indicators of the Kingdom’s presence, it will become much easier and more exciting for us to seek it daily as our first and overarching priority in life. Next steps: What does it mean to “see” the Kingdom, as Jesus said we would? Ask some of your Christian friends about this.