They Will See the Kingdom of God

Jesus talked a lot about the Kingdom of God

Mark 9:1 (NET) And he said to them, “I tell you the truth, there are some standing here who will not experience death before they see the kingdom of God come with power.”

In Luke 16:16, we read, “The Law and the Prophets were in force until John; since then the good news of the Kingdom of God has been proclaimed.” 

While it is true that the fullness of the Kingdom will not be set in place until Jesus returns, it began at Jesus’ baptism. His baptism marks the moment of transition from living by Law to living by the Kingdom of God.

Until his baptism, it was the responsibility of each person to look to the Law and follow it. All failed to some degree. Except Jesus. He fulfilled the Law. Completely. Then, he set in place a new way to live. Kingdom living.

Kingdom living is setting your sights on Jesus

In Kingdom living, we no longer set our sights on the Law. We set our sights on Jesus. We follow him. As we follow him, empowered by the Holy Spirit, we fulfill the requirements of the Law.

He is above the Law. His Kingdom is the fulfillment of the Law. The Law is not done away with. It is fulfilled in Him. It is fulfilled by us as we follow Him.

He is the narrow gate mentioned in Matthew 7:13. As we enter the gate and follow on the path he treads, empowered by his Spirit, we fulfill the Law. When we step off the path, we begin to walk away from his power.

There is freedom in Kingdom living

The narrow path is the path of freedom. Bondage to all sorts of sin awaits us if we step off the path. As we walk with him on his path, we experience freedom.

Gaining freedom is sometimes gradual, sometimes sudden. But, it is sure. As we continue to walk with him, in Kingdom living, increasing freedom results. We grow stronger in him.

Don’t be discouraged by setbacks

Setbacks are a part of the process. Very few gain full freedom and great strength suddenly.

For me, it has been a lifelong process. I see gains in freedom and strength each year as I continue to follow Jesus. Sudden moments of advancement have been the exception. I welcome them when they come. But, most gains have been the regular, daily type. Little by little. A step at a time. Or, sometimes, three steps forward, two steps back. Then another step forward. Stumbling forward.

Forget what lies behind. Keep moving forward.