SWORD OF THE SPIRIT                                                                                               1365

“The Kingdom of Heaven”

From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” – Matthew 4:17

Many of us erroneously view the Kingdom of God and of Heaven through the lens of the ‘kingdoms’ (governments) of this world. We also err when we think of it solely as the future millennial reign of Jesus. We are not alone in this confusion. Even John the Baptist asked: “Are you the one who is to come, or shall we look for another?” (Matt 11:3)

God’s Kingdom – A Present and Future Reality The Kingdom of God and of Heaven was fulfilled through the first coming of Jesus Christ: ‘the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ As George Ladd, a professor of theology puts it, “The Kingdom of God presently is fulfillment without consummation.” Kingdom blessings can be experienced today but the ultimate consummation of the Kingdom of God is reserved for when Jesus returns.

Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them… behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you. – Luke 17:20-21

But if it is by the finger of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. – Luke 11:20

Our present reality of the Kingdom of God is found through the abiding presence of Jesus. Where the King is, so is His Kingdom. In His present Kingdom, there is peace that surpasses worldly understanding (Phil 4:7), overcoming power for living in this evil world (John 16:33), and we have the Holy Spirit, His gifts and counsel (John 14:15-31).

God’s Kingdom v World Kingdom We are in the world but not of it. A kingdom is defined and characterized by its culture and the kingdoms of this world are steeped in sin. The kingdoms of this world are also subject to a continual change of leadership that seek to remain in power and forcibly shape the culture to their paradigm and belief system.

The Kingdom of Heaven is not like this world or of this world (John 18:36). There are no elections or coup d’état overthrow of governments. Jesus is Sovereign and its culture is characterized by the fruit of the Spirit.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; – Galatians 5:22-24

God’s Kingdom – Born Again Citizenship We are born into the kingdom of this world, in sin. In this world we are identified by our worldly government citizenships. It is through repentance and faith in Jesus as our Lord and Savior that we are born again into the Kingdom of God and although we are in the world, we are now citizens of Heaven.

Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” – John 3:3

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ – Philippians 3:20

God’s Kingdom – What is it Worth to You? When we hear the Gospel Truth, Jesus stands knocking at the door to our heart. (Rev 3:20) The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand. Will we let Him in?

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son – John 3:16; Colossians 1:13

Jesus taught parables about what the Kingdom of Heaven was like, which described people who recognized its eternal value and worth and gave up everything of this world to obtain it.

The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field; Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it. – Matthew 13:44-46

Are we willing to seek His Kingdom first above all the temporal things that the kingdoms of this world have to offer? What is eternal life with Jesus worth to you?

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. – Matthew 6:33

God’s Kingdom – Stepping Into Purpose The governments of this world have ambassadors that work to promote harmony between kingdoms. We, who are born again into the Kingdom of Heaven are all ambassadors for Christ. We bring His Gospel Truth in word and deed to all we meet to advance the Kingdom of Heaven. It is like a planted mustard seed and yeast that works through the dough. (Matthew 13:31-33)

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. – 2 Corinthians 5:20

Responsorial Prayer:

Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven; The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. – Matthew 6:10- 2 Timothy 4:18