The Kingdom

 “What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it?”          Mark 4:30 (NIV)

In a time when the world feels out of control, it is a good time to remember that those who follow Jesus, those who have allowed His grace to transform their hearts – are dual citizens. Citizens of whatever worldly nation we find ourselves residing and more importantly citizens of the Kingdom of God. A Kingdom unlike any earthy kingdom, a kingdom that is both already here and still coming. But what is this Kingdom like? That’s the question Jesus is looking to answer.

As Mark tells it, after John the Baptist had been arrested, Jesus went to Galilee to preach God’s Good News. What was that Good News? “The time promised by God has come at last! The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!” (Mark 1:14-15 NLT).

Jesus, in answering this week’s question, compares the Kingdom to a mustard seed planted in the ground. A tiny seed that grows into a plant that is big and strong enough that birds can nest in the shade of it. The Kingdom has been planted and it is growing or should be growing.

What else do we know about the Kingdom? The Kingdom belongs to those who come with a childlike faith (Mark 10:14). It belongs to those who are poor in spirit, who mourn, who are meek, who hunger for justice, who are merciful, who are pure in heart, who are peacemakers, who are persecuted (Matthew 5:3-10). Seeing and entering the Kingdom requires transformative heart change – we must be born again (John 3:3). It is both among us and within us (Luke 17:20-21). We are to seek – actively, intentionally, pursuing it first (Matthew 6:33). Its leader is a humble and sacrificial servant. He lightens the burdens of His people. He calls us sons and daughters. The Kingdom works completely opposite of the kingdoms of the earth.

The Kingdom is real, it is physical, and God rules. It is hard for the self sufficient to enter. It is here and yet still coming. It is growing and spreading. We who are the transforming followers of Jesus should make our Kingdom citizenship primary and we should be letting the light of the Kingdom shine.

Let me know your thoughts. Know someone who might be encouraged by this – please share. I will be praying for you. Until next week – Seek first His Kingdom and you will have all you need.