Thy Kingdom Here

 

Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed,  nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.” Luke 17:20-21

Physical and Spiritual

I can still remember the first time I taught about the Kingdom of God. I was teaching Bible Study Fellowship in the church sanctuary where we met. I was waving my hand around  to indicate that God’s kingdom is here, now. It is all around us.

But, in my mind this was a spiritual thing, not an earthly thing. Today, I know that God’s Kingdom is here, on earth, inaugurated at the first coming of Christ. It also includes His spiritual kingdom. I do not believe that we will see the full submission to His rule on this earth. I do believe that it will increase here – as it has from the time of Christ’s earthly ministry.

Increase of His Government

Isaiah 9:7 says that, “of the increase of His government there will be no end.”

Like all of God’s promises, this is playing out to be true. Jesus started with twelve disciples in the upper room near the time of his crucifixion, and a few hundred more who had believed at that time. Today, the world claims 2 billion Christians.

I think this is hard for us to get our heads around because, in our own nation, Christianity is slipping and sliding down hill. We have not been faithful – that is the American Church has not fought for her King. The King is allowing us to see the consequences of that lack of loyalty. But, China and Africa are just two places where God’s kingdom is growing rapidly! It is happening in many parts of the world.

God Has a Remnant

We are not the first of God’s people to live within a nation that has lost its way. Elijah was sure he was out there all by himself. (1 Kings 19:14) The Lord said, “No, I have saved seven thousand like you who have not bowed the knee to Baal!” (1 Kings 19:18) Habakkuk was crying out to God, “How long must I watch all this sin and violence all around me, and you do nothing?” (Habakkuk 1) God told him exactly what his plan was for bringing the nation back. It was judgment using Babylon! The book indicates that there was a remnant that God used during that time. Later, Ezra and Nehemiah brought back a faithful remnant to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple after the exile.

God always has a remnant.

So, our questions for today are:

• Are we a part of the remnant?
• Am I in a church that is part of the remnant?
• How do we live as part of the remnant, in a nation where the remnant is small by comparison to other nations?
• How do we stand firm in the face of a nation where no respect is shown for our beliefs, our King, or His Kingdom?