Thoughts for the Day

Once Jesus was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, and he answered, ‘The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; nor will they say, “Look, here it is!” or “There it is!” For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you.’

(Lectionary, New Revised Standard Version)

Thoughts

So what are the characteristics of a Kingdom? Well I guess the first thing is that there should be a designated area of land, In the UK we are lucky enough to be able to say its a certain group of islands, but with a larger area as with Europe boundaries can change far easier. A Kingdom needs a King or Queen at its head, for it's not a republic, but it can be a democracy where the King cedes some of their authority to the people. A Kingdom has laws and protections for its people, but not everyone will be content with the status quo - with the monarch or with decisions made, for the people have freedom of will.

There are no doubt many other things we could say about a Kingdom but it can help to remember some of the characteristics of an earthly Kingdom, for Jesus frequently talked about the 'Kingdom of God' (though Matthew in his Gospel calls it the 'Kingdom of Heaven'). This Kingdom Jesus said was already partially in existence on earth; it is here but is not yet complete. In Romans 14.7 Paul explains that 'the kingdom of God is righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit'. In other words where people are put right with God, evidence of His Kingdom will be seen. We might say that when 'self' is put down; when love for others is seen;; when the sick are healed; when the poor are rescued; when the lost are found, then we shall see evidence of God's Kingdom at work. The boundaries of this new Kingdom are limitless, indeed Jesus compares it to a grain of mustard seed which when planted can become a tree (Mark 4.30-32), and he promises that the "good news of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the world, as a testimony to all the nations ... before the end of the world will come." (Matthew 24.14)

God reigns as King, but He chooses to cede some of His power to us, encouraging us through His Holy Spirit to care for His Kingdom and its peoples. It is up to us to work with Him to forward His Kingdom of love and peace.

Almighty God,
You sent Your Son
to call us into Your Kingdom of love,
peace and joy.
Guide us through Your Holy Spirit
to play our part in spreading Your love,
to those around us,
so that Your Kingdom continues to grow.
Amen.