The present kingdom
Day 480, Thursday, Dec. 4
Luke 17:20 – 19:27
While parts of chapter 17 are sometimes used to support the 19th-century theology of a rapture, most of Jesus’s teaching presents a more straightforward account of the kingdom of God having been initiated with his time on earth. It will eventually be wholly present with his return.
In 17:20-21 we read, “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, nor will people say, “Here it is,” or “There it is,” because the kingdom of God is in your midst.’”
The sign of what must occur before the days of the Son of Man is in verse 25: “But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.” That is exactly what happened with the crucifixion; with the resurrection the days of the Son of Man were ushered in.
The joy of Advent is that the Son of Man has come to earth and his reign has begun; we celebrate the present kingdom and look forward to his return.
For now, may this be a season in which we contemplate what it means to live as citizens of God’s kingdom, and live into that glorious reality.

-Rev. Mark Fleming

Thursday meditation

Psalms 37:8-15
Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil. For those who are evil will be destroyed, but those who hope in the Lord will inherit the land.
A little while, and the wicked will be no more; though you look for them, they will not be found. But the meek will inherit the land and enjoy peace and prosperity.
The wicked plot against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them; but the Lord laughs at the wicked, for he knows their day is coming.
The wicked draw the sword and bend the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright. But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken.

Prayer focus
Lord, shape us as worthy citizens of your kingdom.