Most of us have heard the kingdom reign of God in the earth was ‘delayed’ when Jesus ascended into the spiritual realm. We are also told the reign of King Jesus is reserved for a future 1000 year time frame. Is this true or are we confused by the return of an ancient misperception?
Daniel prophesied “one like a son of man” would come and set up a kingdom that would never cease (Daniel 7:13). Daniel saw the coming of Jesus was to lead this reign of God and used each of these phrases in his book; “for all ages to come,” “shall not pass away,” “never be destroyed,” “everlasting,” “without end,” and “endure forever.”
When Jesus came, he announced the kingdom of God is here, at hand, present, in our midst (a) [see end notes for all Scriptures]. Today as then, our participation in God’s reign in our lives is not beyond our reach nor is it reserved for another day. Behold, now is the day of salvation (b).
Jesus announced the kingdom of God is here, at hand; not reserved for another day.
God’s True Kingdom
So, why the confusion? We tend to forget the Pharisees of Jesus’ day taught the Jews that Messiah was to come, defeat their enemies, and then rule the earth for a thousand years. This misperception complicated everyone’s ability to accept the ‘coming one’ who was the non-militant Jesus.
This is why the disciples asked Jesus: “When will these things be, what is the sign of your delivering presence and of the end of our troublous times?” (c).
Having been questioned by the Pharisees as to when the kingdom of God was coming, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed; nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or, ‘There it is!’ For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst” (Luke 17:20-21)
Although unclear to many, the Kingdom reign of God does not come as natural kingdoms come.
For the kingdom of God is…righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17).
God IS With Us
The first generation of believers experienced firsthand the reality of God’s guiding presence among them. They so responded to the ‘abiding’ Spirit of Jesus, it was reported they turned the world upside down (d). What was upset?
The common phrase among early believers was; “God is with us.” Believers illustrated for all to see, God is more than a statue in a closet or a Temple, even more than a presence in Israel’s Holy Place.
The expectation of a future ‘1000 year’ reign can trip us up.
Now in our generation, the expectation of a future ‘1000 year’ reign can trip us up. Rather than a specific time frame, ‘for a thousand years’ refers to an innumerable amount. For example; God owns the cattle on a thousand hills. God does not own only a thousand, He owns all of them.
God’s kingdom began in a fresh new way with the life and words of Jesus! People’s serious response to the influencing presence of God in their lives began two thousand years ago. This kingdom interaction with the presence of God-in-Christ would continue for all ages to come.
The idea of a natural type of kingdom was introduced into Christian teaching in the late 1800’s as a Dispensational Theology. The new teaching promoted the idea that Jesus will return to rule the earth in a natural kingdom of Jewish people, and that believers are only spiritual Israelites. Dividing God’s purposes into spiritual ‘or’ natural began to dilute God’s will for our life.
Christ With Us Visually
God countered the confusion in the early 1900s with massive Spirit baptisms-immersions. The fact that the presence of Jesus ‘actually is’ with us, among us, and in our midst was amplified again in the Charismatic Renewals of the 1960-70s. These visual demonstrations of Christ with us illustrate how Jesus’ insightful and anointing presence is actually here to guide us, daily.
Jesus’ insightful and anointing presence is here to guide us, daily.
Since Jesus is the head of the collective body of Christ (e), we truly partake of heavenly life as we experience God’s insightful presence (f). Our improving character, attitude, and personality are living witnesses of God’s governing influence. Willing responses to His guidance become visuals that attract others into this way of living.
God’s kingdom becomes increasingly obvious to natural sight as more and more people and groups partake of His influencing presence. Our conscious interaction with God is intended to affect our natural lives, making us spiritual ‘and’ natural Israelites. Individually and collectively, person by person, and generation by generation we lend to improving life on earth! With God in our midst, we progressively produce a ‘renewed’ heavens and earth.
Already Here!
Yes, the Kingdom of God is certainly here! How fully is it realized? Every person decides for themselves because our distant or intimate participation depends on each of us.
We have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers (1 Timothy 4:10).
Let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith (Galatians 6:10).
Yes, God cares for each of us, however; He actually lavishes attention on believers. There is no doubt that we have His attention. Does He have ours?
Every person decides for themselves how fully God’s kingdom is realized.
Being receptive to God’s guiding influence is a willing effort. Partakers are not forced to submit; rather they are willingly ‘led’ by God’s insightful presence. Join us on this exciting journey of seeking and receiving from God’s governing presence. Perhaps, with His guidance we can ‘turn our world upside down.’ We don’t want to be left out!
End notes – Scripture references
a) Matthew 3:2; 4:17; 10:7, Jeremiah 23:23-24; b) 2 Corinthians 6:2; c) Matthew 24:3 – paraphrased; d) Acts 17:6; e) 1 Corinthians 12:27) f) John 17:3; Jeremiah 9:24
Keith Carroll, “The Relationship Guy”
Relational Gospel Founder