Day 3: The Kingdom Is Internal

As we look at scripture and get to know God more and more, it’s apparent that He always looks at what’s on the inside first. God looks at the heart.

Every physical rite, such as baptism or circumcision, is meant to be a picture of what is going on Spiritually on the inside. Baptism is meant to show a passing from death to life, and emerging as a new creation in Christ. Circumcision is meant to show a cutting away of the fleshly life, and being set apart uniquely for God. So it’s no surprise that when God chose to usher in the establishment of His Kingdom He began in our hearts first.

When Jesus came to the earth to restore mankind’s relationship with God, He also brought with Him the message of the Kingdom He was ushering in. The disciples and some of Jesus’ followers understood that He was the Messiah, but where God had to really help them understand was that He was not establishing the physical Kingdom of God yet. Jesus was first making a way to establish the Kingdom in our hearts.

By submitting to God’s rulership and reign over our lives we bring the Kingdom to life within us. This can be done at any moment in any person if they are willing. This is why Jesus told people to repent because the Kingdom was “at hand” (NJKV). We do not have to wait for eternity to experience the Kingdom.

What do you think is different about people who have the Kingdom of God ruling inside of them?

In next entry we will look at what it means to be Kingdom men and women and the benefits that come with it.