Devotional: The Kingdom Is Here—and Yet to Come
Scripture Focus:
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
— Matthew 3:2 (RSV)
“Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
— Matthew 6:10 (RSV)
Scriptural Insight
When John the Baptist and later Jesus proclaimed, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand,” they weren’t speaking in vague spiritual terms. To a first-century Jew, this was a powerful declaration: The rule of God is breaking into the world. The phrase "kingdom of heaven" was a respectful way of referring to God’s rule—His active reign, justice, mercy, and authority extending from heaven to earth.
Jesus taught His disciples to pray, “Thy kingdom come.” Yet He also said the kingdom had already drawn near. Is this a contradiction?
Not at all. It's a reflection of what theologians call the “already and not yet” of the Kingdom. Jesus inaugurated the kingdom through His incarnation, ministry, death, and resurrection. But the kingdom has not yet come in its fullness—evil still exists, injustice prevails, and the nations have not yet bowed before the King.
Personal Reflection
As I think about this kingdom that has come, I rejoice. I’ve experienced its power—through salvation, answered prayer, healing, and inner peace that passes understanding. The presence of Christ within me is living proof that the kingdom is real and active.
But I also grieve. I look around and see the devastation of war, corruption, violence, and hatred. I see the unborn perish, the vulnerable exploited, and God’s name dishonored. And like the early disciples, my heart cries out: “How long, O Lord?”
This tension—the joy of what is and the ache for what will be—keeps me praying the prayer Jesus taught:
“Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
Contemplation
Have I truly embraced the reality that the kingdom is already within methrough Christ (Luke 17:21)?
In what ways have I stopped praying for the full coming of the kingdombecause I’ve grown weary or distracted?
Do I live each day with an eye toward the final victory, when Christ will return and reign forever in righteousness?
Understanding the Jewish worldviewbehind Jesus’ words deepens our appreciation for what it means to live under His rule. We are not just waiting for heaven—we are called to live now as citizens of the kingdom, displaying God’s rule through obedience, love, and faithfulness.
Prayer
Father in Heaven,
Thank You that through Your Son, Jesus, the kingdom has come near. Thank You for the salvation, healing, and hope that I already enjoy as a citizen of Your kingdom.
But Lord, I also long for the day when evil will be no more, when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord. Until then, help me live faithfully under Your rule. Let my life reflect Your kingdom in word and deed. Teach me to hunger for righteousness and to work for justice, knowing that the King is returning.
I join my voice with countless saints across the ages to pray:
Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Come quickly, Lord Jesus. Establish Your throne forever.
Amen.
Today’s Declaration:
The kingdom of heaven has come into my life through Christ. I will live as a faithful citizen of His kingdom while praying for the day it comes in fullness. Maranatha—come, Lord Jesus!
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