Evidence of the Kingdom

Jesus said that we should expect to “see” the Kingdom, that is, to observe the evidence of its unfolding both within and around us. Hmm. Today’s excerpt from The Kingdom Turn can be found on pages 116 and 117:

“With the coming of Jesus, and especially with His ascension to heaven and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, a new order of heavenly rule has been established on the earth, just as the prophets of old had foretold.

“And yet we do not have to look very far to see that much of the world does not appear to have gotten the memo. “Evidence for this new reign of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Spirit, which is the Kingdom of God, is in short supply. Everywhere we look, the governments of men struggle to maintain order and to realize a modicum of peace and prosperity for their people. A culture of self-indulgence, material craving, and sensual license inundates the West. Rising giants of the Eastern world strive mightily to walk a balance between traditional cultures, modern forms of governance, and the hankering for material prosperity which they have tasted and found to be most desirable. Wars and rumors of wars continue; natural disasters wipe out the lives and wellbeing of multitudes; violence, slavery, and oppression continue to threaten; and economic uncertainty is the lot of increasing numbers of people.

“So if the Kingdom has come, where is the evidence of its power?

“For nearly two millennia the Gospel has been increasing on earth. Men and women have forced their way into the Kingdom of God by grace through faith, putting to death their old selves and falling on the mercy of God for forgiveness and eternal life. Lives have been changed. Cultures have been transformed. Innovations and improvements in almost every area of life have come about as the result of Kingdom citizens drawing on the transforming power of Christ with new ideas and new strength.

“No, the full power of the Kingdom of God is not yet visible among us. The day of its complete unveiling is yet to come.”

For reflection or discussion
1. Where would you like to see more of the Kingdom’s presence in your own life?

2. How do you expect to see the Kingdom advancing through your church?

Jesus promised we would be able to see the Kingdom in its coming. There would be evidence, and that evidence is visible over the long view of world history since the time of Christ. We should be encouraged to know that the Kingdom of God continues its progress on earth, even in our secular and materialistic day. Share today’s podcast with a friend, then get together to discuss it. Encourage one another with observations of the coming of the Kingdom in each other’s lives. You can order or download a copy of The Kingdom Turn at The Ailbe Bookstore.