Living by the natural order of another, truer world
We have had the poetic insights of David, the propitious prophecies of Isaiah and the dazzling dreams of Daniel. Now, Jesus radically redefines kingdom: a place not defended by armies and patrolled by border guards, but a spiritual space scaffolded by prayer and guarded by angels. Not so much physical territory as a state of being. Less like a new regime, more like pre-fall order.
Luke 17: 20-21. 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’ [or ‘within you’, NIV]. The Pharisees had heard Jesus referring to the kingdom of God. Curious to know what this looked like and when it would arrive, they quizzed Jesus on the matter. Imagine their consternation when he turns their conception of kingdom on its head. Unlike a political regime or a military takeover, it’s presence would not be immediately obvious. It would not be ‘out there’, but experienced within (anywhere and among any people that allowed God to rule as King). What’s more, this kingdom presence had already begun.
For the benefit of his disciples, Jesus adds more (v 22-27). There will be many people claiming to usher in a new kingdom, but when the Son of Man is finally revealed, having endured a time of suffering, his kingdom comes in all its fulness. There will be no uncertainty, His presence will be like the flash of lightning that lights up the whole sky. As in the days of Noah and Lot, a remnant of faithful believers will be saved as judgment is unleashed on evil on earth.
Holy Spirit, help me detect places and people already indwelt by his kingdom. This will not always be obvious and discernment is needed. A time of judgment is coming and when it comes it will be sudden with no time to make preparation. Help me be vigilant, giving Jesus first place in my life today, so that I am ready. Help me see supernatural living as normal, “simply living by the natural order of another, truer world.” (Moltmann).
Chris is emeritus professor at Middlesex University, London, specialising in leadership development. As a chartered psychologist, his recent books observe life from unique angles: 20th-century Myanmar through the eyes of a Burmese family; bible stories from the perspective of the stones present, and just published, a light-hearted collision with rural Provence. Chris lives in the UK with his wife April, and they love gathering with the extended family in France each summer.
