Over and over again in the Old Testament the prophets predicted that God would bring his kingdom of peace, love and holiness to earth. God would eliminate everything that was ungodly or destructive. This kingdom would be led by a Messiah and God’s people could live in God’s kingdom forever. The Jews waited hundreds of years after the prophets for God’s kingdom to come; the coming of God’s kingdom would be the arrival of utopia, so naturally, devout Jews constantly yearned for the kingdom.
Finally, Jesus announced that the time of waiting was over. He said, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand” (Mark 1:15, NIV). The kingdom of God had now arrived. But it didn’t come in its fullness because God wanted to allow for an overlapping time when the kingdom was hidden, but those who would believe would live in God’s kingdom forever. The kingdom was definitely here with power, love and holiness. Everyone is invited to be a citizen of God’s kingdom. This is our encouragement and joy, that God’s kingdom – the best possible kingdom – is available to us now because Jesus inaugurated the kingdom on earth. Thus, we can choose to live in God’s kingdom every day and experience the benefits. Faith and love keep us abiding in the kingdom, and nothing can take us out of it!
Do you make all your decisions knowing that you live in God’s kingdom?
