Tuesday, August 3, 2010

One Heart at a Time

Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The Kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the Kingdom of God is within you.” (Lk 17:20-21)

The Pharisees were looking for an earthly kingdom, but Jesus said the Kingdom of God is invisible because it is within you. Jesus told Pilate he is indeed a King, but his kingdom is not of this world. In this age, God is not interested in setting up a theocracy in America or Israel or anywhere else. He desires to rule over the hearts of men. This type of kingdom advances quietly. One man shares the Gospel with another. A food pantry helps a woman feed her children. A teenager feels God’s call on his life. A grown man finally makes peace with his father. This type of kingdom is harder to build, too. Mass outreach has its place, but you can’t mount a campaign and conquer a city for God. Every heart must turn to him individually.

God help me finally to do my part in the advancement of your kingdom. I have been limited in my vision. Help me see that in you all things are possible. I want to really believe that and live into it. “Thy kingdom come, on earth as it is in heaven.” And in my heart as well. Amen.

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