S128P2 – That which lies within: the kingdom

Lk. 17:20‭-‬21

Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “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.”

Ever since he had arrived in that new country, he was asked by many people how his assimilation was going.  His homeland was such a different place with a different standard of living and pace of life.  From the language to social ideals and common courtesies, there was much to learn.  Yet, whenever he went home to visit, people were shocked at how much he had not changed.  They expected that his living in that new land and being immersed in that culture would have made him more like those people.  What they did not understand was that although he no longer lived in his homeland, it remained a part of him and made him who he was.

When we think of governments and kingdoms, we think of something that is external.  They are manufactured constructs that exist outside of the people to influence, inform, and bring order.  Some people may hold their nations in their hearts, but those relationships begin externally.  With God’s kingdom, it is the reverse.  His kingdom is internal as it resides within us first.  Then, as we live according to his kingdom instead of the world, that order of things will manifest in our lives.  God’s kingdom is not confining but liberating, and it allows us to live freely according to its standards and value system regardless of the earthly places we reside.  The way to see God’s kingdom is through the people who carry it.
Jesus knows that it can be very discouraging for us to live acccording to the kingdom while in a world that is so different.  What we often see tends to seem more real than what we know exists but remains hidden.  That is why He goes on to tell his audience that they will long greatly for his return, but they cannot be deceived by those who say they see the kingdom coming.  It is already here working in God’s people no matter how things sometimes look.  We must let it first work inside us before we can expect to see, feel, and taste its fruit.  If we are waiting for the kingdom to arrive, it is not yet within us.  Father, help us to live by your kingdom principles in this place, helping it bear fruit that draws others to it.