The Present and Future Kingdom

The Present and Future Kingdom Reading: Luke 17:20-21, 1 Corinthians 15:24-28

Luke 17:20-21-Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; 21nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.”

1 Corinthians 15:24-28-Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. 25For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. 26The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. 27For “He has put all things under His feet.” But when He says “all things are put under Him,” it is evident that He who put all things under Him is excepted. 28Now when all things are made subject to Him, then the Son Himself will also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all.

Devotional: Today's readings remind us that God's Kingdom is both a present reality and a future hope. Jesus tells us the Kingdom is within us, yet Paul speaks of a future when Christ will hand over the Kingdom to the Father. As we live in this "already but not yet" reality, how can we manifest God's Kingdom in our daily lives?

Look for ways to bring glimpses of God's rule into your interactions today - through love, justice, and compassion. At the same time, let the promise of the future Kingdom fill you with hope and perseverance, knowing that God's reign will be fully realized one day.