A thought on the now and coming kingdom: Jesus taught us to pray “Your kingdom come, your will be done…” The kingdom comes when God’s will is done, so whenever and wherever we do the will of God His kingdom comes. Of Jesus it is written, “I come to do your will, O God.”
The will of God was done when Jesus forgave people, healed them, and set them free. “If by the finger of God I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you [suddenly and unexpectedly].” The will and the kingdom appear inseparable. So, to preach the kingdom while at the same time denying the will of God in present power is the kind of unbelief that was manifested by those who opposed Jesus.
How then to know the will of God? By reading the Bible, since His will and His Word are as inseparable as are His Will and His Kingdom. Knowing His Word enables us to do His Will, and the result is that His Kingdom comes! Which is why I pray “Your kingdom come, your will be done every day. I want to see the Kingdom of God appear in what God does through me in the lives of needy people. It’s one thing to read about the Kingdom and tell others about it, but it is another thing entirely when sins are forgiven, sick bodies are healed, and bondage of any and every kind is broken from those who are bound, bruised and battered by the effects on people of drugs, alcohol, and evil influences.
God’s Kingdom will come regardless of what we do or don’t do, but our role is that of active participants in the bringing of the kingdom from heaven to earth rather than that of passive onlookers or barely interested bystanders. I would rather play a supportive role to Jesus the Star than a background one in “The Ongoing Greatest Story Ever Told,” which is still under production — wouldn’t you?