"A Lightning Bolt"
God’s Kingdom is real.
And it is coming…since Jesus is everywhere present, God’s Kingdom is with you, with me-now. But one day more quickly than a bolt of lightning strikes the ground Jesus will come to earth.
“One day the Pharisees asked Jesus, “When will the Kingdom of God come?” Jesus replied, “The Kingdom of God cannot be detected by visible signs. You will not be able to say, ‘Here it is!’ or ‘It’s over there!’ For the Kingdom of God is already among you.”
Luke 17:20-21
Can we believe God’s Kingdom exists? Jesus told the Pharisees we cannot see it. Can we see air? Do we believe in the force of gravity? We do. And seeing something is not required to believe in something or someone. In truth air and gravity are just two actual examples of God’s power and presence.
Kingdom is a word to consider. A kingdom is a realm. A realm is territory. There is no place on earth or in the heavens above that are not God’s territory. Zero…none-everything you and I know about and vastly more we do not know about is God’s. Let us say it in one word: ALL.
A kingdom has a King.
God is King…of all. He is perfect and loving.
The Pharisees wanted Jesus to give them a sign WHEN the Kingdom of God would come. Jesus answered. “The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed.” Instead, Jesus told them “The kingdom of God is already among you.”
My friend…go about your work today. Enjoy your food. Enjoy the people you are with and meet. Relax-live-be at peace. God is in control. It is His kingdom. Trust Him. He is King of Kings.
Today we have looked at the part of God’s Kingdom that we can call the “already now.” God did not create the universe and everything in it and walk away. Jesus said, “among you.” Today.
The second part of God’s Kingdom can be called the “not yet.”
We study the Bible to know who God and Jesus are that we might believe because one day (there will be no signs to be observed) Jesus will come to earth. He will “bring” God’s Kingdom fully to earth. It will come as quickly as a lightning bolt.
What are we to do with this information?
Believe…this is not science fiction or fantasy. It’s real.
Be ready.
Examine our hearts.
Ask Jesus to forgive our sins.
Then live our lives knowing there will come a day when we will SEE Jesus…and the Kingdom of God.
Friend may we be ready.