Our news stories this week contain a common reflection point of lifting our eyes from the temporal and setting them on the eternal. But for that to mean anything, you and I need a clear understanding of the Kingdom of God. What is it? What is it not? How do we find it, and how do we live as part of it? Hold that thought and we’ll return to it.
My wife, Brooke, and I are in the stage of parenting where we are often told by those a bit older than us, “Cherish these days . . . they don’t last long and you will miss them!” I know it’s common to complain about this line of advice, but to be very honest, I find it immensely helpful! I find it helpful not because it is news to me (it is not), but because the demands of this parenting season are so intense it is easy to let all my focus go into providing, guiding, and nurturing. Those things are necessary and good, but it is so worthwhile to specifically acknowledge the unique blessing of the current moment! These are the good ol’ days! These are the days in and of which memories are made. These are the days to stop and cherish!
Here’s a little secret: No matter what season of life you are currently in, the same is true for you! Yes, there are very real challenges (there always will be). But a decade from now, you will look back on today and the things you will hold close are the ones you take time to cherish now.
What does all of this “sounds-like-self-help” talk have to do with the Kingdom of God?Everything!
You see, my friend, our natural tendency is to think of the eternal Kingdom of God as some far away place that is to be realized at some point in the distant future. It feels like a fantasy city in the clouds that will be great, but which is hard to really wrap our minds around. That flawed understanding of the Kingdom makes it very difficult to cherish the moments of your current temporary station.
But here is the truth: God’s Kingdom is neither far away nor far off! It is here and it is now! Don’t take my word for it. These are the words of Jesus when asked when the Kingdom of God would come: “The coming of 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” (Lk. 17:20-21).
God’s Kingdom is far more than some defined place or time. It is so much more than that because it is not simply a time or place, but rather it is embodied by a Person who is also God! The Kingdom of God is in your midst because it is carried by the God who created you, pursues you, and infills you! Some versions translate this phrase, “The kingdom of God is within you.”
Here is the main point: Cherish these days, because they are Kingdom days! Today. Right here. Right now. It is not far off but rather already in your midst and within you. Best of all, and unlike parenting the childhood years, they are not fleeting! The Kingdom will never pass away, and we have forever to build it. But both the cherishing and the building have no need for delay. They can begin now, because the Kingdom of God is in our midst!