Refreshment in God's Kingdom

Refreshment in God’s Kingdom

Did you ever wonder what the present kingdom Jesus promised us is like?  What type of existence awaits us as the kingdom is at our doorstep now? 

Jesus said “The coming of the kingdom of God cannot be observed, and no one will announce, Look, here it is, or, There it is, For behold, the kingdom of God is among you.”  (Lk. 17: 20 - 21). 

From Romans Paul tells us; “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of food and drink, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the holy Spirit; whoever serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and approved by others.”  (Rom. 14: 17 - 18). 

The term kingdom denotes more than a physical entity, it is a proclamation of something within each of us that is deeply imbedded in our spirit, something that Jesus brought with himself and was presenting it’s essence to those who would believe and utilize its very crux for others.

“In those days, John the Baptist appeared, preaching in the desert of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!”  (Mt. 3: 1 - 2). 

Any time we speak of an existence of something that may confound our understanding it requires some searching to reach a better conclusion of its meaning within our vocabulary.  The kingdom of heaven or kingdom of God appear differently in some parts of scripture, but for the most part are the same according to many researchers.  However, upon further examination we will find that even Jesus uses a future designation to the kingdom at his Ascension.  

“When they had gathered together they asked him, Lord, are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel?”  He answered them, “It is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has established by his own authority.  But you will receive power when the holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be witnesses in Jerusalem, throughout Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”  (Acts 1: 6 - 8).     

We may ascertain that the term arrived in scripture when Jesus began his ministry.  But, (Psalm 145: 11-13) “They speak of the glory of your reign and tell of your great works, making known to all your power, the glorious splendor of your rule.  Your reign for all ages, your dominion for all generations.”

However one may discern the meaning of the kingdom when questioning its presence it is a term with a deep and fundamental existence in our spirit and an entity that envelops our very quest with Christ. 

A kingdom where  God our Father dwells waiting for each of us is promised by Jesus to his disciples as he begins his priestly discourse; “Do not let your hearts be troubled.  You have faith in God, have faith also in me.  In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places.  If there were not, would I have told you that I am going prepare a place for you?  And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and take you to myself, so that where I am you also may be.”  (Jn. 14: 1 - 3).  The final description of a kingdom described by Christ and promised for those who believe.

Ralph B. Hathaway, Our kingdom from within and without.