WHEN IS THE KINGDOM OF GOD TO BE SEEN?
The Kingdom of God is a mystery. For Jesus described it as both present and future. Perhaps the best explanation for this mystery was offered by George Ladd, who called it “fulfillment without consummation.” Fulfillment of the kingdom is here now since the first coming of Christ and the giving of the Spirit at Pentecost. But the consummation is not yet here. For it awaits Christ’s return when all enemies will be defeated and all sin and satanic power and sickness and suffering will be gone forever.
Only Jesus and Judas Iscariot “tasted death” before Pentecost. The other disciples all saw the fulfillment of Christ’s words and the unfolding of the mystery of the Kingdom of God in that upper room on that day.
The Kingdom of God is here now and can be seen wherever Christ is acknowledged as King. Yet, the Kingdom of God is coming, its consummation to be accomplished upon Christ’s return.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we are amazed at your plans for us. Thank you that you have invited us to be included in your kingdom through faith in Jesus. We acknowledge Jesus as King and willingly pledge our lives to Him in all things. Lord, we declare his gospel and await his soon return. In Jesus’ name, amen.