SIGN OF THE KINGDOM
"Asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He replied to them by saying, The kingdom of God does not come with signs to be observed or with visible display. Nor will [people] say, Look! Here [it is] or, See, [it is] there! For behold, the kingdom of God is within you (in your hearts) and among you (surrounding you)" Luke 17:20-21 AMP).
Even though Jesus Christ performed many signs and wonders among the people, He said signs were not indicative of the presence of the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is indicated by what rules our hearts, i.e., our thoughts, intentions, wills and affections. Jesus said that the kingdom of God is also that which is "among us" and "surrounds us." In other words, every created thing or person is within the sovereign dominion of God whether they acknowledge Him or not.
Today, many seek "signs and wonders" as proof of the presence of God in our midst. How very sorrowful will these be for putting their faith and allegiance in an event. Their seeking for such will only set them up for temptation and deception. They will look here and there at every cry of "Here it is!" or "There it is!" They will always be seeking but never coming to the knowledge of the truth that God, above all else, desires to rule in their hearts.
We will know the kingdom of God has come when there is a change of heart toward God, not just a healing of the body or a modification of behavior (See also Luke 17:12-19). Ten lepers appealed to Christ for healing and He healed them all, but only one turned back to praise and thank God. Who experienced the kingdom of God? Think about it.
"Asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He replied to them by saying, The kingdom of God does not come with signs to be observed or with visible display. Nor will [people] say, Look! Here [it is] or, See, [it is] there! For behold, the kingdom of God is within you (in your hearts) and among you (surrounding you)" Luke 17:20-21 AMP).
Even though Jesus Christ performed many signs and wonders among the people, He said signs were not indicative of the presence of the kingdom of God. The kingdom of God is indicated by what rules our hearts, i.e., our thoughts, intentions, wills and affections. Jesus said that the kingdom of God is also that which is "among us" and "surrounds us." In other words, every created thing or person is within the sovereign dominion of God whether they acknowledge Him or not.
Today, many seek "signs and wonders" as proof of the presence of God in our midst. How very sorrowful will these be for putting their faith and allegiance in an event. Their seeking for such will only set them up for temptation and deception. They will look here and there at every cry of "Here it is!" or "There it is!" They will always be seeking but never coming to the knowledge of the truth that God, above all else, desires to rule in their hearts.
We will know the kingdom of God has come when there is a change of heart toward God, not just a healing of the body or a modification of behavior (See also Luke 17:12-19). Ten lepers appealed to Christ for healing and He healed them all, but only one turned back to praise and thank God. Who experienced the kingdom of God? Think about it.
© S.M. Hudson, Hidden Treasure Ministries, December 2003. All rights reserved.
Categories: forgiveness
