Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is within you.” Luke 17:20-21 (NIV)
What does it mean that “the kingdom of God is within you”?
The Pharisees asked Jesus, “When will the Kingdom of God come?” Many Jews at the time expected a political Messiah who would overthrow Rome and restore Israel. They were looking for a signs and change brought by their new king for their external circumstances. Jesus the King, came to change and restore the internal — the hearts of people.
In our day, the “kingdom” can equate to our lives, our rule, our will, done our way. Jesus desires to be Lord, King of our hearts and lives today, everyday.
In Luke’s gospel, Jesus reveals that God’s Kingdom is not just about a future hope but a present reality.
Sometimes like the Pharisees, we look for God to meet our external needs and wants. But He wants to be welcomed as King of our hearts. As we’ve received Christ into our hearts, His kingdom is within us!
May we welcome His Kingship over our internal and external lives, relationships, and future. For me this looks like cultivating the fruit of the spirit. Lord, help me not to cultivate the fruit of worldliness but the fruit of Your Kingdom heart and ways!
