“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand” Mark 1:15 (NIV). Over and over again in the Old Testament the prophets predicted that God would bring his kingdom of peace, and love and holiness to earth. All that was ungodly or destructive would be eliminated. This kingdom would be led by a Messiah. The Jews then waited hundreds of years 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. 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 available to those who would believe. Yet the kingdom was definitely here with power and love and holiness. 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 choose to live in this kingdom every day and so we experience the benefits. Faith and love keep us abiding in the kingdom and nothing can take us out of it!
