February 26
The kingdom isn't just coming in the future. It's already here. And it's still on its way!
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Three Thoughts
The Kingdom of God is all around us right now. It's wherever Jesus is King. Every act of obedience to him and every moment of surrender, is kingdom living today.
LUKE 17:21
"The kingdom is at hand." was Jesus' opening line. Not "someday" but "now." The time is fulfilled, the waiting is over, the invitation is open. He says to repent and believe. The kingdom is something you enter by trusting the King.
MARK 1:15
The kingdom is also coming fully in the future, covering the whole earth. Every nation and every person will be reached. Until then, we live in this tension called the "already and not yet" of his full return. We're waiting, but also participating now.
MATTHEW 24:14
Two Quotes
Pastor and author Charles Stanley on God’s plan:
"God's plan for your life far exceeds the circumstances of your day."
Bishop and author N.T. Wright on Jesus in the present:
"Easter was when Hope in person surprised the whole world by coming forward from the future into the present."
Prayer
Dear God, I want to live in the "already" without forgetting the "not yet." Help me experience your kingdom today in all of choices, relationships, and work. Give me patience in the tension and help me find my purpose as I wait for the future. In Jesus' name, amen.
Question
Where can you bring kingdom living in your ordinary life this week?
See you next Thursday,
Zach
P.S. This week I started writing two chapters for my next book: One on prayer and one on Grace. What questions do you have about either that you'd like me to cover in the book?