Look No Further

Luke 17:20-21

Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you." (ESV)

Saints of God! If you are on a quest to find the kingdom of God, look no further. It is closer than you think. When the Pharisees asked Jesus about when the kingdom of God would arrive, the answer he gave them demands our attention. According to Luke 17:20-21, the kingdom of God would not come in a manner that one could observe. With this in mind, I suspect the Pharisees were misguided in their question and their expectations. So in an effort to pinpoint an appointed time or place, the Pharisees missed what was right in front of them.

At first glance, what is conveyed here in these verses can mislead us if we are not careful. I believe the works of the kingdom can be observed, and the message conveyed here is not contradictory to this belief. Keep in mind that in the phrase "kingdom of God," the Greek word, basileia, which translates kingdom is better translated as dominion or rule. What they missed is that Jesus would be the one who would usher in God's rule.

The Pharisees were perhaps waiting for an official inauguration or some formal celebration that they could witness. However, instead of an elaborate parade or announcement, the rule of God comes in a disarming way. As such, there remains a sense of urgency and yet a non-threatening component here. What Jesus points to is not a coming end or spectacle to be seen but rather a present reality to be experienced in the now. So what are you waiting for? The kingdom of God is at hand (Matthew 3:2, Mark 1:15). It is within your reach. It is "in the midst of you."

Now let me point out two acceptable interpretations of the last phrase in verse 21: (1) the kingdom of God is in your midst, (2) the kingdom of God is in you. It is possible that both interpretations are true. The rule or kingdom is both in our midst and in us. In other words, let the Lord Jesus rule in you, for he has written his law upon your heart. Thus when the people of God come together, God's kingdom is in our midst. Not only this but the kingdom is in the midst of the world.

Saints of God Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you." The rule of God is not something constructed by human hands, and we should not stand still waiting for heaven to descend. Those who only become fixated on the future kingdom will miss what Christ offers us in the present. Remember that our Lord gives us power in the present. So look no further because he is nearer than you think. God's kingdom is a present reality that should give us hope for both the present and the future. I challenge each of us to live it out NOW!

Blessings!

Reverend Dr. Timothy Martin