Are you seeing the Kingdom of God around you?
Sometimes, my wife can’t believe how blind I can be – especially when I’m searching for something in the refrigerator. There are many moments when I miss things that are right in front of me – clothes that need to go upstairs, trash that needs to be taken out, dishes that need washing. It’s rarely intentional, I promise.
But there’s a different kind of blindness that Jesus talked about – one that goes beyond missing something on a shelf. In Luke 17:20-21, He said, “The coming of the Kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the Kingdom of God is in your midst.”
Jesus was pointing out that God’s Kingdom isn’t always obvious. It’s not something you can just see on the surface. It’s something that requires attention, discernment, and spiritual insight. It often works quietly beneath the surface, in ways that are easy to miss if we’re not paying attention.
Take, for example, the moment when Jesus was watching people give their offerings at the synagogue. Among the crowd was a poor widow who placed her small, seemingly insignificant coins into the offering. It wouldn’t make a noticeable impact on the budget or the needs of the temple. Yet, Jesus called His disciples over to show them that this woman’s offering was more valuable than any of the others that day. Why? Because it cost her something – it was a true sacrifice. (Mark 12:41-44)
Jesus wasn’t just looking at the outward act; He was looking at the heart behind it. He saw the sacrifice, the motivation, and the depth of her faith – things that weren’t immediately visible. Jesus was seeing the Kingdom of God through the Father’s eyes.
The Kingdom of God isn’t always obvious. It often flows in the opposite direction of our culture’s values – it doesn’t come with flashy displays of power or success. Instead, it moves beneath the surface, advancing through spiritual power rather than human effort. Sometimes, it’s like an introvert – quiet and understated, but rich in meaning if we’re willing to look deeper.
So, how about you? Are you seeing the Kingdom of God around you? Or are you rushing through life so quickly that you’re missing what’s right in front of you? God’s rule and reign are happening all around us, every day. It may not always be easy to see, but when we choose to look with faith and a heart of discernment, we begin to notice it.
Take a moment to slow down. Look for God’s activity in the small things – the acts of love, justice, redemption, and care that may be happening under the surface. Choose to see things from God’s perspective, and you may find your own perspective shifting.
And when you see it, don’t just observe it. Join in. Cooperate with what the Spirit is doing around you. There is no greater joy than being a part of God’s work in the world
With you,
~ Coach Tom
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