Day 13 on the Kingdom of God

Acts 28.17-31:

"17 Three days after Paul’s arrival, he called together the local Jewish leaders. He said to them, “Brothers, I was arrested in Jerusalem and handed over to the Roman government, even though I had done nothing against our people or the customs of our ancestors. 18 The Romans tried me and wanted to release me, because they found no cause for the death sentence. 19 But when the Jewish leaders protested the decision, I felt it necessary to appeal to Caesar, even though I had no desire to press charges against my own people. 20 I asked you to come here today so we could get acquainted and so I could explain to you that I am bound with this chain because I believe that the hope of Israel—the Messiah—has already come.”

21 They replied, “We have had no letters from Judea or reports against you from anyone who has come here. 22 But we want to hear what you believe, for the only thing we know about this movement is that it is denounced everywhere.”

23 So a time was set, and on that day a large number of people came to Paul’s lodging. He explained and testified about the Kingdom of God and tried to persuade them about Jesus from the Scriptures. Using the law of Moses and the books of the prophets, he spoke to them from morning until evening. 24 Some were persuaded by the things he said, but others did not believe. 25 And after they had argued back and forth among themselves, they left with this final word from Paul: “The Holy Spirit was right when he said to your ancestors through Isaiah the prophet,

26 ‘Go and say to this people:
When you hear what I say,
you will not understand.
When you see what I do,
you will not comprehend.
27 For the hearts of these people are hardened,
and their ears cannot hear,
and they have closed their eyes—
so their eyes cannot see,
and their ears cannot hear,
and their hearts cannot understand,
and they cannot turn to me
and let me heal them.’

28 So I want you to know that this salvation from God has also been offered to the Gentiles, and they will accept it.”

30 For the next two years, Paul lived in Rome at his own expense. He welcomed all who visited him, 31 boldly proclaiming the Kingdom of God and teaching about the Lord Jesus Christ. And no one tried to stop him."

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I absolutely LOVE this passage! I see this as a 'hidden gem' because I don't really remember reading this last time I read through the book of Acts, but I'm glad I reread this section. I think it's especially encouraging to see that when people wanted to hear about this 'Jesus thing,' their conversation with Paul, at times, turned into a debate. The Kingdom of God isn't some 'made-up' thing that doesn't make sense. It's real, tangible, and involves an intellectual component, that in Paul's case, led to a intellectual debate. This is encouraging to be because I'm tired of hearing people say and think of Christians as dumb or foolish people. With my personal interest in information and willingness to discuss and debate, I really like this passage! =)


"Father grant us wisdom! I pray that we would make the most of every opportunity to further Your Kingdom! Be gracious and forgive us when we fail/fall, help us to get back up again and press on! Thank You for Jesus! It's in Jesus' name that I pray, amen!"

Day 12 on the Kingdom of God

John 18.33-40:

"33 Then Pilate went back into his headquarters and called for Jesus to be brought to him. “Are you the king of the Jews?” he asked him. 34 Jesus replied, “Is this your own question, or did others tell you about me?” 35 “Am I a Jew?” Pilate retorted. “Your own people and their leading priests brought you to me for trial. Why? What have you done?” 36 Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.” 37 Pilate said, “So you are a king?” Jesus responded, “You say I am a king. Actually, I was born and came into the world to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognize that what I say is true.” 38 “What is truth?” Pilate asked. Then he went out again to the people and told them, “He is not guilty of any crime.39 But you have a custom of asking me to release one prisoner each year at Passover. Would you like me to release this ‘King of the Jews’?” 40 But they shouted back, “No! Not this man. We want Barabbas!” (Barabbas was a revolutionary.)"

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This scene is a very telling one in a number of ways. Thought the obvious statement concerning the Kingdom of God here, is when Jesus says that His Kingdom is not an earthly one. The fact that throughout history there have been Christians who have lived as if they believe the exact opposite is true, is saddening. If we truly view Jesus' Kingdom as a Kingdom that isn't of this world, our priorities in life would start to shift. We wouldn't be as concerned about things going wrong financially here on earth because our treasure is in Heaven where moth and rust can't touch it. We wouldn't be concerned about persecution because we're blessed when others revile us, think less of us, and persecute us. Everything is different since Jesus' Kingdom is not an earthly one! How comforting is that to know!?!?

"Father give us eyes to see Your Kingdom. I pray that we would be like children and have faith in Jesus that You are who You say You are and that You love us! I pray that we would seek You each and every day, longing to reach out and grab hold of You, clinging to the cross of Christ and not be lured away to other things that surround us here on earth. We love You! It's in Jesus' name that I pray, amen!"