In the first reading we read about how Jesus Christ revealed Himself to His people for 40 days before His Ascension. In those 40 days, Jesus taught them about the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God. (Acts 1:3)
The disciples had a lot of misunderstanding about the Kingdom that Jesus came to establish. They were expecting Jesus to establish a physical kingdom on earth, overthrow the Roman Empire and rule and reign over nations of the earth from Jerusalem. The disciples even asked Jesus: Lord, will You at this time restore the Kingdom of Israel? (Acts 1:6) Jesus replied by saying: It is not for you to know the times or seasons which the Father has put in his own authority. (Acts 1:7)
The truth is that Jesus Christ did not come to establish a physical Kingdom. Truly, He will establish a physical Kingdom when He returns in His Second coming (Psalms 2:1-12) but as of now He has established the Kingdom of God in another way. Jesus said: The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.” (Luke 17:20-21) Therefore the Kingdom of God today is not a building. It cannot be seen. You, the Christian are the Church. The Kingdom of God is within you.
Jesus Christ did not come to start a Religion. He came to establish His Kingdom. (Isaiah 9:6-7) Honestly, it does not matter what Church Denomination you belong to. What is important is whether you have entered the Kingdom of God! Jesus taught about how to enter the Kingdom of God in John Chapter 3. (John 3:1-16) Throughout His Ministry, Jesus taught about the Kingdom of God. Most of His parables were about the Kingdom.
Jesus taught His disciples to pray by saying: thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. (Matthew 6:9-13) Today we cannot see the Kingdom of God with our eyes; we cannot see the King; we cannot see His Throne and we cannot see His Kingdom. (John 20:29) But everytime the will of God is done on earth as it is in heaven in the lives of people the Kingdom of God is manifest.
When the people get healed (Matthew 8:16-17), when they get delivered (Luke 11:20), when their needs are met (Matthew 6:33), when they prosper supernaturally (3 John 1:2), when they have love, joy and peace (Galatians 5:22) and when they live Victorious lives on earth the Kingdom of God is manifest for everyone to see. (Matthew 5:13-16)
Therefore we must pray like in the Second Reading that our spiritual eyes be opened, that we may see and understand what the will of God is for our lives. (Ephesians 1:17-23) God has accomplished so much for us through the death of Jesus Christ on the Cross. It important that we pray for understanding to receive and live in all that God has accomplished. Let this always be our prayer and meditation.
Also read: Entering the Kingdom of God
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