Read Luke 17:11-37
“The kingdom of God is in the midst of you.”
That is Jesus’ answer to questions about the when and where of God’s kingdom. And hasn’t that been the message all along—through the miracles, the healings, even in the cleansing of the ten lepers? It is right here. It is standing in your midst. Jesus Himself is the ushering in of God’s kingdom. The kingdom is present in Him.
Yet to those who were eagerly inquiring, Jesus makes something else very clear: His suffering comes first. He must be rejected.
We naturally want to ask when and where. Jesus redirects us to how. While we long to leap ahead to eternal glory, He says, “Hold on—the cross comes first.” The kingdom of God comes through Christ and His suffering. It comes through His rejection. It comes through His cross.
The kingdom comes to us now through His Word, which proclaims Christ’s death and resurrection for our redemption. It comes as we are gathered into the body of Christ to hear that Word. And it will come in its fullness—in unmistakable finality—when our Lord returns.
The kingdom is already here in Christ. And yet we still wait.
Prayer: Father, by Your mercy grant that Your Gospel may be preached throughout the world. By Your Holy Spirit, cause it to be received in faith, to be at work within Your Church, and to dwell richly in all who hear it. In this way, preserve Your kingdom among us and extend it to others until Christ returns. Amen.