Tuesday
1-17-17, Modesto, California
Today we
read Gen 42 – 43, Psalm 5 and Luke 17
S = Scripture O =
Observation A = Application P = Prayer SOAP
for the soul.
S. Luke 17:20-21 One day the Pharisees asked Jesus, "When will the
Kingdom of God come?" Jesus replied, "The Kingdom of God isn't
ushered in with visible signs. You won't be able to say, 'Here it
is!' or 'It's over there!' For the Kingdom of God is among you." NLT
O. The religious Jews were hoping for a
day to come when their Messiah would conquer their enemies and establish a
Kingdom with its center in Jerusalem. Most of the Pharisees did not believe in
Jesus, but they questioned Him constantly, either seeking to catch Him in an
error or perhaps, in this case, just to see what He would say. Jesus’ answer
sets them back on their heels. “Don’t look
for a gala parade ushering in the Kingdom of God. Don’t expect a situation
where you can run up to take selfies with the new king. Hey! The Kingdom of God
is already here, right now “among you”. NUHV** Several
translations say, “within you”.
A. At the time of this question, Jesus
has already begun to usher in the Kingdom of God. It is destined to be a
kingdom without borders of a river or a mountain range. This kingdom is
wherever the King has conquered his subjects. It exists wherever the King
reigns. This King does not win territory by force. He wins by conquering the
heart with His great love. I was just a little child. I did not understand
political borders, but I met my King and surrendered without a fight.
P. Lord Jesus, You did not take me by
force and You do not retain me by force. You paid the price for my
redemption. You bought me at the cost of Your blood. You purchased a slave to
sin, so You could set me free. I have been captured by Your love. And You have
welcomed me into Your Kingdom, the Kingdom of God. What a privilege! Amen.
Ralph
**New
Unauthorized Hiatt Version
No comments:
Post a Comment