March 21, 2021
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20 Once Jesus was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, and he answered, “The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; 21 nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There it is!’ For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you.”
– Luke 17:20-21
The midst of Jesus teachings about the kingdom of God, we see so much about the already and the not yet. I know that phrase might be confusing to some, but the essence of that phrase “the already and the not yet” reminds us that we live in a faith that Jesus has already come, died on the cross for the sins of the world and risen again. This means that the kingdom of God has already begun. For the billions of people who have believed and received the salvation of the cross, they know that the kingdom of God is real, and they have their reward in heaven, or are awaiting it the moment they leave this life.
Yet, we know that the kingdom is not yet complete. The world keeps on turning, new life come upon the earth every day, as families welcome new babies. We had a magnet on our refrigerator as one point which said “Babies are God’s way of saying he wants this world to continue.” Each new day we are reminded that this world still exists. So the time when heaven and earth pass away and the new heaven and earth are revealed has not yet happen, so we are in the “…not yet.”
In this time of “already and not yet,” however, we can still see the kingdom of God. Jesus, the verses above is attempting to teach the Pharisees about this. They do not yet understand. They believed the kingdom of God would put them on top, they would be set up as rulers and no longer under the oppression of Rome. However, Jesus says to them, you can’t say “here it is, or there it is.” Instead, you we must look among you. The beauty of seeing the kingdom of God, is when we look among us, and see the beautiful faces of those with whom we share this kingdom.
God’s kingdom isn’t about material riches, but the richness of relationships with those whom God loves, and whom we love. As I get the opportunity to see more of you coming back to in-person worship I’m reminded of the beautiful kingdom that is among us. I know some will remain at home for now, and I honor you for your choice. Please know that your church family is praying for you, and we continue to know you, too, are a part of this glorious community, and the kingdom of God.
May we continue to do all we can to expand the kingdom among us by sharing the love we have for God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen!
Grace & Peace,
Sam