[Read] The Kingdom Among Us

The Kingdom Among Us

For the past two weeks I visited Europe and the Middle East with a group of 35 folks from Grace Chapel on a tour called "World of Paul".  We visited Rome, the Vatican, Pompeii, Sorrento, Corinth, Athens, Ephesus, Mykonos, Santorini, and Crete.  We learned about the governmental structure of the time, the opulence of their societies, and how old empires gave way to new empires usually because of internal disarray. 

Throughout history, empires have risen and fallen, each leaving its mark on the sands of time. From the grandeur of Rome to the scholarly halls of Greece, the relentless march of the Ottomans to the hanging gardens of Babylon, these empires have shaped our world in countless ways. Yet, amidst the ebb and flow of human conquests, the Bible speaks of a kingdom not of this world, an eternal kingdom presided over by Jesus Christ, the King of kings.

The concept of God’s kingdom is woven throughout the tapestry of Scripture, serving as a central theme in the teachings of Jesus. The Gospel of Matthew records Jesus’ proclamation, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17).  This call to repentance is not merely a call to moral reform but an invitation to align with the divine order that Jesus inaugurated.

In Luke 17:20-21, Jesus responded to the Pharisees’ inquiries about the coming of God’s kingdom, saying, "The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed; nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or, ‘There it is!’ For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst". This profound statement reveals that God’s kingdom is not a geopolitical entity but a spiritual reality, manifesting through the lives of those who follow Christ.

The Lord’s Prayer further emphasizes this reality with the petition, “Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). Christians are called to be ambassadors of this kingdom, living out its values and principles in a world that often stands in stark contrast.

Jesus also left us with a stark contrast of kingdoms that are divided in Matthew 12:22-29.  Then a demon-possessed man, who was blind and couldn’t speak, was brought to Jesus. He healed the man so that he could both speak and see. The crowd was amazed and asked, “Could it be that Jesus is the Son of David, the Messiah?” But when the Pharisees heard about the miracle, they said, “No wonder he can cast out demons. He gets his power from Satan, the prince of demons.”  Jesus knew their thoughts and replied, “Any kingdom divided by civil war is doomed. A town or family splintered by feuding will fall apart.  And if Satan is casting out Satan, he is divided and fighting against himself. His own kingdom will not survive.  And if I am empowered by Satan, what about your own exorcists? They cast out demons, too, so they will condemn you for what you have said.  But if I am casting out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you.  For who is powerful enough to enter the house of a strong man and plunder his goods? Only someone even stronger—someone who could tie him up and then plunder his house.

As we reflect on the empires of old, we see a pattern of human ambition and temporal power. The Roman Empire, known for its legal innovations and vast territorial conquests, eventually crumbled under its own weight. The Greek Empire, with its philosophy and democracy, gave way to the rise of others. The Ottoman Empire stretched across continents, yet its legacy is now etched in the annals of history rather than the reality of power.  The Babylonian Empire, famed for its splendor and the Hanging Gardens, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, is now but ruins and lore. Each of these empires, though mighty in their time, were subject to the inexorable tide of change and decay.  This year is a pivotal year for Our Country and all of Western Society. Will we become a nation divided beyond reconciliation this November and beyond?

In contrast to these temporal powers, the kingdom of God offers a different vision—one of everlasting peace and justice. Christians are called to rally around their King, Jesus, who stands above all earthly rulers. His kingdom is one of righteousness, joy, and peace in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). It is a kingdom that transcends time and space, inviting all to partake in its unshakable promise.

As believers, we are encouraged to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33), trusting that as we do, we become part of a story much greater than ourselves—a story that spans eternity.

While the empires of the world have their place in history, it is the kingdom of God that offers true and lasting significance. As Christians, we find our identity and purpose in the light of Christ’s reign, confident that His kingdom will endure long after the last empire has turned to dust.

Rob Stutzman is an Elder at Grace Chapel.  Attending since 2003, Rob and his wife Beth reside in Lexington, and have two adult children Andrew and Emily living in the Boston area.  Rob has been a Christ follower since 1973 and works with others to deepen their knowledge and appreciation of the spiritual life God gives us each day.