Observation: Jesus often discusses the "kingdom of God," though it is difficult to discern what that phrase means. In some contexts, it seems to refer to the current time when Jesus the Messiah is alive on earth. Other times, it seems to refer to the time after his resurrection when salvation is available and the Holy Spirit is given to believers. In still other conversations, the phrase appears to refer to some other future that is further off, when there becomes a blurring of life here on earth and the perfected life one expects in heaven.
Here, Jesus appears to explain that the "kingdom of God" is ... none of the above, perhaps. He says it cannot be observed. It isn't something that appears and can be pointed to. Instead, it is an experience that happens all around everyone. He goes on to tie it into his departure and second coming, and that people will try to say they have seen him (or maybe even are him) when they have not.
In all of this, it seems that the "kingdom of God" is much more associated with the coming of the Holy Spirit. This is a time when mankind has a comforter and helper, someone with heavenly authority that can aid, instruct, correct, and guide us all, making life easier and helping us understand the Lord's ways and instruction. However, we cannot see it. Rather, the Holy Spirit is in our midst and in our hearts. We don't point to the Holy Spirit, but rather we ideally act in response to the spirit in a manner that reflects the Lord's kingdom value and his purposes for our lives.
Jesus does not use the phrase 'Holy Spirit' here, but the descriptive language is consistent, and the timing of when he says the kingdom will manifest in their midst (after he has been killed (v25)) is consistent.
Application: If I am living in the time of the "kingdom of God" ... it sure doesn't feel like it today, as my worldly worries crash down upon me. Then again, that is certainly the point. If I embrace the kingdom of God, then worldly issues like success in my job are irrelevant. That can be a comfort, however it isn't as comforting this morning as is should be.
Every day I ask 'what is God doing in this situation'. Sometimes I think I see an answer, though in the last 17 hours all those answers vaporized. Maybe that's dramatic and not accurate, but it feels like it. I don't know what to do next, and certainly that is the point, for all I can do is pray and ask the Holy Spirit for instruction and comfort and assistance and strength and hope.
And yes, relying on the Lord, on Jesus, and on the Holy Spirit would certainly seem like the way we should live in heaven ... in the kingdom of God.
Prayer: Lord, I thought I saw your movement and path, but now I don't again. However, I will still hold your hand and walk this road you have me on. They will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Please give me more of the Holy Spirit to guide me and direct my path and my actions. Amen.
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