“Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, 21 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 Kingdom of God is in your midst. I love this teaching of Jesus. It brings such hope, such comfort, and such love.
Today, as we honor my aunt Lois Marie — a saint if there ever was one — and celebrate her life, I am reminded again of this beautiful promise: The Kingdom of God is in your midst.
We will sense it today as we offer the life of Lois Marie back to the Lord. We will see it in the faces of cousins, siblings, aunts, and uncles. We will relive it as we remember a life well lived alongside Uncle Dick — a dual threat to the devil until the very end!
When Jesus declared that the Kingdom of God is among us, His words were as true then as they are today. The Kingdom is not “here” or “there.” It is everywhere and in everything, because the Spirit of God is everywhere and in everything.
Sometimes we live as if the Kingdom is distant — especially on hard days when we are hungry or poor, distracted or distraught, down and out or even up and happy. Yet in every circumstance and season, the Kingdom of God is here.
So what should our response be? Grab it. Embrace it. Inhale it. Receive it. Like a deep-sea diver depending on oxygen for life, we draw the Kingdom deep into our souls, our lungs, and our lives.
The Kingdom of God is not like the British monarchy of old — once so grand and mighty, encompassing nearly a quarter of the world and establishing commonwealths across the globe, only to rise and fall. No, the Kingdom of God remains forever. It was, it is, and it will always be.
Because where the Kingdom is, the King is present — Jesus, the Messiah, God our Savior, Lord, and Mighty One. The One who sees us, heals us, overcomes every disease, and dries every tear. As we receive the Kingdom, we receive the King. And as Jesus promised in Luke, He promises again today: The Kingdom of God is here.
Will you turn and open your heart to the Kingdom and to the King? Even if you are weary, depressed, tired, or feeling alone — the God who sent Jesus to earth to establish His Kingdom cares for you.
He is here. He is near. He knows you by name, and He will never leave you.
For the Kingdom is among us — right here, right now, in this very moment.
Can you feel it? Can you sense it? Welcome the Kingdom. Welcome the King.
“O Lord, you are so kind and loving. When I doubt, you bring faith. When I fall, you renew my love. When I stumble, you stand me up. Come now, Holy Spirit, fill me with your power. Help me walk according to your ways, that I might know your power and your grace. For you are good, and your love endures forever.” Amen.