From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17, ESV)
Is the kingdom a reality in your life? Jesus came to bring the kingdom from heaven to earth. He came so that it would be more than something we know about and read about. He comes so we might experience it and live in its domain. He said, “repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Indeed, it is here to experience.
He comes to make the kingdom a reality in your life. We read fairytale stories to our children about princes and princesses. They are all make-believe. But that is not God’s kingdom. God’s kingdom is a greater reality than the mundane reality we often experience.
Ephesians tells us not to get drunk on wine (Ephesians 5:18). People get drunk to escape reality. The alcohol deadens our senses. But Paul says to be filled with the Holy Spirit. This is not escaping reality, but seeing a greater reality. That is the thrill of the kingdom. It is the kingdom reality. It is seeing our trials, troubles, hardships, challenges, sufferings from a new perspective. We don’t see them as the world sees them, but as God sees them. This is accomplished through the eyes of faith?
My daughter and I love roller coasters. We can read about roller coasters. We can talk about roller coasters. We can watch a virtual simulation on YouTube. But there is nothing to replicate riding the roller coaster. There is no other way to experience the thrill of it.
That is the way it is with the kingdom. It’s more than an intellectual exercise, but something to grasp and touch. The thrill of the kingdom is to experience the kingdom.
So how does the kingdom become a reality? We will talk more tomorrow.
Reflection
- How is the kingdom a reality in your life?
- How does the kingdom become reality in your life?
Prayer
Lord, may your kingdom become a reality in my life more and more every day. Lead me to see my troubles from your perspective through the eyes of faith. Open the eyes of my heart to experience the thrill of the kingdom. Amen.
Charlotte Romer says
Is this a Christian organization, Or is this Jehova’s witness
Phil Ressler says
Hi Charlotte – why do you ask if this is related to Jehovah’s Witnesses? I am a Lutheran pastor.