Deeper ReflectionThe Christian Gospel is not just the Gospel of God, but the Gospel
of His
Kingdom! In the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark and
Luke) the proclamation of the kingdom of God was central to
Jesus’ mission. The Greek word basileia (“kingdom, rule and domain”) is
used a whopping 121 times in these books (Matthew 55 times; Mark 20
times; Luke 46 times).
8It can be difficult for us to relate to the idea of a
kingdom. After all,
Singapore does not have its own king! In the Scriptures, the “kingdom of
God” refers to God’s sovereign rule and the blessings that we enjoy when
we live under it.
9 Citizenship in God’s kingdom has its benefits!Matthew the Evangelist points out some of these benefits. As Jesus went
through Galilee, he healed every disease and affliction (v.23). Those
oppressed by demons were delivered (v.24). Wherever there was death
and darkness, Jesus ushered in the life and light that accompany God’s
rightful reign!All of us love God’s blessings and benefits – emotional and psychological
well-being, flourishing relationships and so on. However, isn’t it often
the case that we want Kingdom blessings without the rule of the King?
We want God to fill our fuel tank while keeping our own hands on the
steering wheel of our lives! When God’s Kingdom makes demands on
us, when obedience is painful or costly, and when the King calls us to
surrender control and let Him lead, we often resist or turn away. May we
choose to bow the knee before our King today, fully delighting in Him
and His gracious care for us.
8 J. B. Green, J. K. Brown, & N. Perrin (Eds.), Dictionary of Jesus and the Gospels, Second Edition (p. 468). Nottingham, England: IVP Academic
9 9 G. E. Ladd, The Presence of the Future [Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1974]
