The Kingdom of God (Oct 22)

Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, 'The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation.'
                           Luke 17:20 NIV

Jesus starts a thoughtful answer to the Pharisee's question about the arrival of God's kingdom today in the above verse.  My bible dictionary gives a 2 1/2 page definition of the kingdom of God that touches on Old and New Testament events that point to God's sovereign nature and concludes by stating, "The kingdom of God is the work of God, not produced by human ingenuity.  God brought it into the world through Christ, and it presently works through the church.  The church preaches the kingdom of God and anticipates the eventual consummation."

The word 'consummate,' means to bring to a state of perfection, to complete, to finalize, to bring to the highest point. 

The bible handbook refers to the kingdom as having a "range of meanings" that revolve around;  "having Jesus' dominion in the hearts of his people through all dispensations, onward into eternity."  It adds that the kingdom might refer to; the reign of God in an individual, the righteousness among men, the church, Christendom, or heaven itself.

Jesus pointed out the fact that just by careful observation of the law, the kingdom would not come.  Remember that the law does not forgive sin, it only serves as a mirror to point out or illuminate our sin.

From reading the above, we understand that the kingdom of God has many definitions and is a complex concept in its entirety.  On a practical, more simple, note however; the kingdom of God is at hand any time the Spirit leads us to help, assist, serve and show the light and love of God through Jesus to our fellow sojourners on this earth in a way that brings glory to God.

How have you shared the gospel message with others?

How are you planning on serving this Sunday?

Pray to keep your eyes open for ways to serve others to show Jesus' love to others.

In Christ,

David P