The first words of Jesus’ ministry were the announcement that the Kingdom of God was “at hand” (Matt. 4.17). He could have said anything; but He said what was most important of all. Today’s excerpt from The Kingdom Turn is found on page 4:
“Jesus declared that, by His coming to earth, the Kingdom of God had come near. The Incarnation inaugurated the consummation of history. The day of promise had arrived. The long-awaited in-breaking of the rule of God on earth as in heaven had begun. And the reconciling of all creation, culture, and humankind to God was under way.
“With Jesus, everything changed. And this was no illusion, but a new reality – the Kingdom of God. And with the outpouring of God’s Spirit on that first Christian Pentecost, power arrived to carry out the promises of God, according to the teaching of Jesus, for the life and hope of the world.
“When Jesus told His disciples to lift up their eyes, He wanted them to see that the end of history had broken into the middle, and from that moment forward, nothing would be the same. He, through them, would begin making all things new. The various tributaries of human history, which had for centuries and millennia meandered their separate courses, were now draining into a new channel – the channel of the Kingdom of God – and, by a new and irresistible power, were being carried along according to the purpose of God to a consummation and conclusion He had determined and He would accomplish.”
For reflection or discussion
1. How would you describe the importance of the Kingdom of God in your Christian life?
2. Are we seeing as much evidence for the Kingdom as we should?
Here’s the thing: the Gospel Jesus preached was not just about “getting saved” and going to heaven. It was about the Kingdom of God coming to earth. After that, Jesus made clear, nothing would be the same. And subsequent Christian history has shown that He was right. Share today’s podcast with a friend, then get together to discuss it. You can order your free copy of The Kingdom Turn from The Ailbe Bookstore.
T. M. Moore
