Kingdom

When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, He said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God". And from then on no-one dared ask Him any more questions.

Mark 12:34 NIV


The teacher of the law knew what life was all about. There's one God, who commands us to love Him and others. So far so good. Nothing majorly controversial there. 


But Jesus perceived that this man wasn't necessarily trying to be clever or to catch Him out. This man was near the kingdom of God. What's wrong with that? 


Well, when you're part of Caesar's kingdom, to claim to be part of God's kingdom seems potentially treasonous. In fact, one of the reasons Jesus was crucified was because He claimed to be the King of the Jews, seemingly rebellious against Rome. So even the wise teacher of the law had no more questions when he heard Jesus' assessment of him.


Are we prepared to renounce our claims of earthly citizenship, in order to stake our claims of heavenly citizenship? Of course, we can have dual citizenship, but the world doesn't always recognise that. Which are we going to prioritise? 


'Almighty Lord of glory, we acknowledge Your Kingship over our lives. May we live for You all the days of our earthly pilgrimage, until You call us home, in Jesus' name, amen'


 

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