DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE KINGDOM OF GOD

DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- THE KINGDOM OF GOD

"Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said 'The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, "See here!" or "See there!" For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.' " (Luke 17:20-21)

The Pharisees were looking for a political kingdom that would set the nation free from foreign domination, and a king who would usher in the peace and prosperity for Israel that the Old Testament prophets foretold.  When Jesus prayed, "Thy kingdom come," I don't think He was referring to a political kingdom, but a spiritual kingdom.

Jesus said that the kingdom of God does not come with observation – that is, it cannot be seen with the physical eyes. It is spiritual and it is internal – not external. He warned against looking for the kingdom of God in the world around us – "Look here" or "Look there" – but rather to look within where God would set up His kingdom. The king was in their midst and they didn't see it.

So many people run here and run there, following after some great preacher or ministry, looking for some wonderful experience. They think that God's presence is out there somewhere, and they go to great lengths to find it. External manifestations of the presence of God are exciting, but unless it becomes personal, inside me, it will not really change my life. The Presence of the King will change me as He establishes His rule in my life. It will affect the way I think, and how I live.

Do you want to see the Kingdom of God? The King is in our midst.

Love, Dad