The Kingdom of God

As Jesus was traveling to Jerusalem, he was asked by the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God would come (Luke 17:20). Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst” (Luke 17:20-21). The Pharisees like many people today, were most interested in the time that the kingdom of God would be realized. Jesus took the opportunity to teach a very important truth about the present reality of kingdom. By stating, "It is within you," Jesus was emphasizing the internal and spiritual nature of God's kingdom.

Turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “The time is coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it. People will tell you, ‘There he is!’ or ‘Here he is!’ Do not go running off after them. For the Son of Man in his day will be like the lightning, which flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other. But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation. Just as it was in the days of Noah, so also will it be in the days of the Son of Man. People were eating, drinking, marrying and being given in marriage up to the day Noah entered the ark. Then the flood came and destroyed them all. It was the same in the days of Lot. People were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building. But the day Lot left Sodom, fire and sulfur rained down from heaven and destroyed them all. It will be just like this on the day the Son of Man is revealed. On that day no one who is on the housetop, with possessions inside, should go down to get them. Likewise, no one in the field should go back for anything. Remember Lot’s wife! Whoever tries to keep their life will lose it, and whoever loses their life will preserve it. I tell you, on that night two people will be in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left” (Luke 17:22-35 NIV).

There are many days, and especially as we approach the last days, that believers will "long to see" the return of Christ. However, Jesus cautioned against listening to the pronouncements of false teachers. When he does return, his appearance will be very visible. Jesus pointed out that life will be going on in a normal fashion (Luke 17:27). Most people are so engaged in their daily lives that they do not stop and think about ultimate reality of judgment and eternity. Before they know it, it will come upon them just as it has on others. When the Lord does appear, there will be no need to return to our homes for anything. The things that mean so much to us now will not be needed or matter then. Jesus repeated the paradox that those who attempt to hold on to life lose it while those who give up their lives in service to God and others preserve it. When Christ comes, there will be a separation of those who are ready and prepared and those who are not. Closeness and intimacy with people of faith will not be enough for those who are unprepared.

The disciples responded by asking, "Where Lord? He replied, "Where there is a dead body, there the vultures will gather" (verse 37). In other words, when conditions are met, Christ will return and believers will be gathered to meet him. (See 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). Are you ready?

Jesus the King

During Advent, we focus on various titles of Jesus Christ. In this post we will examine Jesus the King. This title refers primarily to his future activity when he will come again. But let us begin by reviewing some things from the past:

(1) The Hebrew Scriptures contain many prophecies concerning the Kingdom. The Christ, or Messiah, was to be a descendant of David and occupy his throne. The Prophet Isaiah said, "Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever" (9:7). See also the following references: 2 Samuel 7:5-16, Psalm 89:27-29 and Jeremiah 23:5-6.

(2) He was to come into the world as a King. When the angel announced the birth of Jesus to Mary, this is what he said, "You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end” (Luke 1:31-33).

(3) Jesus was born a King. Magi from the East came to Jerusalem and asked, "Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him” (Matthew 2:1-2).

(4) He was rejected as a King. The Jewish authorities handed Jesus over to Pilate and he asked, "'What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?' Pilate asked them. 'Crucify him!' they shouted" (Mark 15:12-13).

(5) Jesus died as a King. "Above his head they placed the written charge against him: 'THIS IS JESUS, THE KING OF THE JEWS'" (Matthew 27:37).

Considering that Jesus was born in a stable and laid in a manger, people might wonder what kind of king he was. The mockers present at his crucifixion said, "'He saved others,' they said, 'but he can’t save himself! Let this Messiah, this king of Israel, come down now from the cross, that we may see and believe'”(Mark 15:31-32). Despite the clear prophecies of Scriptures, these circumstances may have confused or misled some people; however, people of faith recognize him as their Savior and Lord and are part of his Spiritual Kingdom, the Church.

(6) When Jesus comes again, he will return as a King. At this point, we should remind ourselves what kings were in history. Kings did not reign as figure heads of state as is the case today in the remaining constitutional monarchies like England and Spain. In Biblical times, kings were absolute monarchs who ruled by divine decree. At his Second Coming, Christ will set up a Kingdom and reign forever. The Kingdom will continue until all enemies, angelic and human, will be put down (1 Corinthians 15:25-28). However, Christ's kingly reign will be eternal in as much as Christ goes on reigning by the authority of the Father. When he appears riding a white horse and accompanied by the Hosts of Heaven, he will wear a robe and bear the inscription, "KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS" (Revelation 17:14; 19:16). At this time, "Every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord" (Philippians 2:10-11).

You can choose to confess him now as Lord or be forced to at this future time. Why not make him your King today and be part of his Kingdom on earth and also share the hope of his eternal Kingdom.