God is the Kingdom
I love how God brings scripture to life throughout my week, revealing its essence through my everyday experiences. He inserts multiple verses into various situations, prompting me to think, meditate, and ponder, asking questions like, "What does this mean?" and "How interesting!"
This week, the word “Kingdom” has particularly stood out to me. From a podcast I listened to on my way to a dentist's appointment to readings in the book of Luke and conversations with friends on the topic, I found myself asking the Lord, just as many others have, what does Jesus mean in Luke 17:20-21 when He says, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, 'See here!' or 'See there!' For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.” (or among you)
So, what is this Kingdom of God that Jesus speaks of? The one that He says we may not see here or there, but are called to repent and believe in (Mark 1:15). I believe He clearly shows us the answer if we take the time to ponder this thought.
The Kingdom of God is not something to be observed or located in a particular place; rather, it exists within us and has always been among us. From the moment God breathed life into us, we received the Kingdom along with the gifts He freely gave. That very life embodied the "Kingdom." God's original intent was to have complete authority and reign in our lives because, as Creator, He knows what is best. He is the best king, and His Kingdom will be the only one that will last to the end. (Daniel 2:44). God's unchanging nature and His Word, which is good for us, guide us as He goes before us, providing victory, shielding us, and offering refuge. In God's Kingdom, we lack nothing. Therefore, GOD IS THE KINGDOM.
As we are the temple of God and His Spirit dwells within us, we experience the Kingdom (God) working in our lives every day. This is reflected in how we give, pray, walk in step with the Spirit, love our neighbors, spread God's Word, die to ourselves, turn the other cheek, sacrifice, and obey. Each day, as we submit to His rule and reign, we come to know and witness that Kingdom (God) in action.
I believe Jesus is conveying in Luke 17:20-21 that the Kingdom of God is both a present reality and a future promise. It exists through God and is evident in the lives of those who believe and follow Him. Thus, the "Kingdom" is not solely a future event; it is also actively present among and within believers. It represents a spiritual transformation occurring within each believer's heart through faith when we submit to the dominion of God.
Jesus illustrates this further in how He teaches us to pray: "Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your Kingdom come; Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." This Kingdom (God) has come, and we now believe in the gospel message of Jesus, turning our hearts back to God's kingship. This is the Kingdom that Jesus describes, which will be fully realized in the future when God's ultimate sovereignty is established.
This is highlighted in Revelation 11. One day, we will witness the true King, the One and Only Lord who has always been adorned in glory and majesty. Revelation 11:15 confirms this: "The seventh angel sounded his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, which said: 'The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah, and he will reign for ever and ever."
We will see the kingdoms and powers of this world surrender to God's rightful kingship when His Kingdom reigns forever. There will be no other kingdom that can stand against it. His power will prevail, and His Word will remain within us, fully abiding in the hearts of those who believe. Oh, what a time it will be!
Prayer
Father God, thank you that you alone are God. There is none like you, none beside you, and no one who can rule over you. God, thank you that we get to experience you and your Kingdom. We are grateful that we are in the Kingdom. While the enemy has tried to fool us into believing that we are rulers over ourselves and have dominion and power in earthly things, our Kingdom is seated in Heaven. God, thank you that one day there will be no other name hallowed in the world but yours. As we reflect on your goodness, may our hearts and lives be turned back to your kingship, which is good and better than any other idol we have exalted. Teach us to pray for your Kingdom to come, as it is already dwelling in and among us. In Jesus' Name, we pray and ask all these things.