“Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.” (Luke 17:20-21)

     “In your midst” is translated in some versions as “within you.” Jesus represented a different kind of kingdom, which was beyond the comprehension of the Pharisees.  When we honor Jesus as our king, we submit to his authority and claim his Spirit, and Jesus is correct when he said that it “is not something that can be observed,” at least in the way we observe earthly kingdoms.  We know this kingdom within, and one day Jesus will rule over all the kingdoms of the earth, and “every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.” (Romans 14:11)

Prayer: Dear Lord, you give me great hope and encouragement, knowing that your kingdom is here and now and will never end.  I pray that all of us who claim your name will stay focused on you and will always share the love we have within toward others.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.