Matthew 10:7 The kingdom of heaven is near.
Mark 1:15 The kingdom of God is near.
A friend and I were recently discussing where we are in relation to our walk with Christ and our relationship with God. We know we live in this world, which is made up of kingdoms. They may be run by dictators, presidents, congresses or parliaments, but it is a kingdom nonetheless. Like it or not, we are subjects of them.
Jesus introduced the concept of a new kingdom, or at least a different kingdom. The gospel writer Matthew exclusively quoted Jesus as saying the kingdom of heaven, while the other gospels refer to the kingdom of God. Jesus prayed to God, “your kingdom come, your will be done.” (Matthew 6:10) He once told the Pharisees, “The kingdom of God is within you.” (Luke 17:21) The kingdom of God was inside the Pharisees? Really? Look it up. When questioned by Pontius Pilate, Jesus responded with, “My kingdom is not of this world.” (John 18:36)
So, do we have a kingdom here, a kingdom there (heaven), or a kingdom everywhere?
I pick Door Number 3. One problem we have as believers (and we can thank scholars and teachers for that) is that we’re constantly trying to fit the various shaped pegs in their correspondent holes. We want answers, and we’re flustered when so many well-educated people can come armed with ancient texts and modern-day parables in order to enlighten us, yet end up with such diverse positions.
I don’t think that God uses pegs or holes in his shaping of our realm. He leaves that hodgepodging to us. His kingdom is intricately woven into the very fabric of our existence. Like the various forms of water (solid, liquid, gas), the kingdom is only understood at your particular point of reference.And you will find that your point of reference keeps moving as you are being made holy, or being sanctified.
Heaven is a place in which we will ultimately end up, but for many it will come with fear and trembling, along with sorrow and pain. It’s a good place. Notice that there are no references to the kingdom of hell. Satan never really gets to be boss.
God is, and always will be, our commander-in-chief. We must not associate the negative aspects of earthly leaders with how God will rule. The basis of his order is LOVE. We must also be careful not to associate the superficial human aspects of love with the pure love of God. While we are gradually feeling the impact of his love now, we will never fully experience it until we reach total reconciliation with him, which comes through complete reconciliation with our fellow beings.
The concepts of the heavenly kingdom aid us in addressing the rules of our earthly kings. While we may have trouble in, or be banished from, our various kingdoms here, we will NEVER be banished from his kingdom — not completely. A portion of outer darkness, however, may be required to help us on our journey.
Back on earth, his kingdom, or Holy Spirit, is within us, ready to teach us at all times. We are decision makers. He tells us what to do, or don’t do. Our forward progression on this game-board of Life depends on our decisions. If we fail, we fail. Roll the dice, and keep moving.
Finally, we cannot lay claim to exclusive access to God’s kingdom as Christians. Others are forcefully advancing the kingdom in ways that we cannot understand. They, too, are God’s children. Others, sadly, are in a catatonic state. They too will see the light, in time. But, thank God, God won’t let us manipulate their lives forever. Eventually we will learn and promote the power of love.
Father, forgive us, for we know not what we do. Your kingdom come. Your will be done. Amen.
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