Come Up Now!

Many of us have been struck by what must be the meaning of the Savior’s words “the kingdom of God is within you. (Luke 17:21).” The words may seem cryptic, but when combined with other statements of the King (e.g., “My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence” (John 18:36)) they must be understood as a refutation of any proposed establishment of a physical kingdom upon the face of a world cursed by Almighty God.

How then are we to understand this kingdom that came with the Christ? This kingdom that was “at hand” over 2000 years ago – this kingdom that Jesus affirmed had come when he said “if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you (Luke 11:20).”

It must be something different. It must be something other than the normal “kingdom” that we as men expect to see. The normal kingdom of this world does send its servants to fight when its king is threatened.

What if Jesus meant what He said when He said, “the kingdom of God is within you?” What if the kingdom of God (that kingdom which the saints of God enter when they swear allegiance to its King) is an invisible, ethereal, other-worldly, mystical kingdom that only those who have entered can understand?

The Militant Pacifist asserts that indeed, this is the case. The kingdom of God is not seen with the physical eyes of men. It is not merely trans-national, it is supra-national.

The Christian is to be so concerned with this kingdom and allegiance to the true King, that all other allegiances pale in comparison.

So when the question is asked – “where is your citizenship?” – the Christian should reply with the Apostle Paul – “our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ (Philippians 3:20 NKJV).”

Friend – the kingdom has come! Bow to King Jesus! Don’t wait for heaven – enjoy His peaceful reign NOW!