“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 17:20b-21

When and Where? We ask similar questions all the time don’t we? Jesus chose not to answer either of those questions fully; instead he redirected the Pharisees to acknowledge that the kingdom of God is already here in him. It’s as if he is saying, “I’m not telling you when and where because you’re missing the point! I’m here… the kingdom is coming and will come fully later. Stop being so focused on being bound for heaven that you are of no use here on earth!” God has the “when and where’s” under control, but wants us to be involved now. Heaven lies in wait, but there’s no time like the present to participate in the ongoing work of the kingdom of God. Indeed that day will come, but if it happens in our lifetime, I hope we’ll be busy doing God’s work as we have been called to the very end!

 

Devotion by Jeff Smith