Last week we heard about Heaven being that future world of love where God is. This week we will be learning about the present kingdom of heaven here and now.
So, we might say that last week, we focused on heaven as the place where God dwells. This week, we will focus on heaven as the space that God fills.
In our understanding of “kingdom” in human terms, we tend to see it as a physical empire, a government, or a realm of political rule. But the kingdom of God, though it will be a physical, restored kingdom in the future, presently it is experienced as the spiritual kingdom. Christians use the phrase “the already, but not yet” kingdom.
But how is this “already, not yet” kingdom of heaven present? Well, a kingdom needs a king. It is only a kingdom insofar as the king is present and ruling. So then, the kingdom is present wherever the presence of the king is. They are inseparably tied together.
This is different than our experience here. If the President of North Korea came to visit the White House, he is not the ruler of the United States of America by virtue of his presence. Neither would Trump be in the other direction.
But in the kingdom of heaven, God is king over everything where he is present. He is present in the church, so he is the king of the church. But he isn’t only the king of the church. He is present in the world, so he is the king of the world. In our parable this Sunday, we see God as king over all the world—not only over God’s people, but over all people. The King works out his plan in and among all his creation.
But in what way does this king rule? In what ways does his kingdom grow?
Our parable in Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43 focuses on the reality of this kingdom of heaven. We will learn that the kingdom of heaven grows secretly, steadfastly, and slowly.
Come and join us, as we hear from God’s word and worship with God’s people.
Love you, LifeWay family.
Together in Christ,
Tim