Luke 17:20-21 (NIV)
20 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, 21 nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.”
“Jesus begins his reply by noting that the kingdom does not come with signs to be observed. This remark is important, because Jesus is challenging the idea that the kingdom’s coming is marked with some cosmic display. The Pharisees’ expectations need changing…Jesus’ point is that the kingdom hope is present in his presence. All efforts to try to determine where it might be located are a waste of energy, given its proximity.” [Bock, Darrell L., Luke, NIVAC, 451]
Where do you have the question, “when is the kingdom of God going to come?” or “who can help me?”, “when will things get better?” Hear from Jesus that the kingdom of God, the Helper we need is already here in our midst, accessible to us already in Jesus.
Prayer: Father, may my expectations and ideas about your kingdom be shaped by your word, that it is not far off, but very close, within my reach. So as I reach out my hand to you, Jesus, fill me with your presence, hope and help. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Let’s rejoice as we sing “I Will See The Lord (Land of the Living)” by People & Song (click here).
-KW
