Not What We Think

 

Lk 17:20-25

The Coming of the Kingdom of God

20 Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, 21 nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.”

22 Then he said to his disciples, “The time is coming when you will long to see one of the days of the Son of Man, but you will not see it. 23 People will tell you, ‘There he is!’ or ‘Here he is!’ Do not go running off after them. 24 For the Son of Man in his day will be like the lightning, which flashes and lights up the sky from one end to the other. 25 But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.

The Kingdom of God is not your ordinary kingdom. It is elusive, it is present, but "not something that can be observed". It seems contradictory; it promises glory but demands suffering and rejection. Purification of purpose, focusing on Jesus, his example and teaching, and "doing whatever he tells us" are the components we need to add to our spiritual diet daily. That's why our time for prayer and reflection are so essential.   What is God giving me today and what is he asking of me? It's not always what we think.

Bro. Rene

Dear Jesus, guide me today on your mysterious and often elusive path to your kingdom. Amen.