October 4, 2015:  SOAP #2131:

Scripture:  Luke (NIV) 17:20 Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation,  21  nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is within you.”

Observation:  What is a kingdom?  It is a structure of authority with a king as the supreme authority.  What is warfare?  It is when two structures of authority are trying to enforce their authority within the same boundaries.    The Jewish people were looking for God to exercise His authority over the land of Israel.  From the scriptures we know that God will do that in the future—I believe not too distant future.  Just because there are no identifiable geographical boundaries in which God’s authority is fully enforced does not mean that God’s kingdom is not present on earth.   It is present in the lives of those in whom He is LORD!  I cannot draw the boundaries on a map.  Geographically it is not observable, but in the lives of those who have made Him LORD, it is easily seen.

Application:   The boundary of God’s Kingdom is my life.  My whole life is within the boundary of His authority.  His kingdom extends outward from me to my home, my possessions, my areas of work, and my relationships.

Prayer:   Lord, what a privilege to be a part of your kingdom. I am finding your reign is righteous yet loving, strict yet generous, concerned with the big picture yet extremely personal.  My King knows me and loves me!   Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!