Mine is the Kingdom

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

Matthew 5:3

The word kingdom often conjures up thoughts of gothic castles, jousting knights, graceful ladies, and a king sitting on a magnificent throne. Consequently, many Christians think of the kingdom of heaven as only the place where God dwells with his people, the place with streets of gold, gates of pearl, and mansions by the score. Indeed, the kingdom of heaven is a place where the people of God will live with God forever. Yet, if the kingdom of heaven is only a place, it's difficult to fully understand Jesus's teachings.

The first message Jesus ever preached was simple: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." When Jesus sent the twelve disciples out on their first ministry assignment, he told them to announce the same message: "The kingdom of heaven is at hand." To those whose faith bore the fruit of humility, Jesus declared, "theirs is the kingdom of heaven." In each case, the word Jesus used that is translated as kingdom does not primarily refer to the place (realm) of a king, but to the power (rule) of a king.

In other words, in announcing the nearness of the kingdom of heaven, Jesus was saying, "The authority of God the Father over all creation is now at work around you through the ministry of the Son of God, Jesus Christ." The kingdom of heaven is both a place of reward, and a power to receive. Those who are poor in spirit possess the kingdom because they have received Jesus's powerful control into their lives.

Father, I want you to be in charge of my life. Work the power of your kingdom in me now so that I may live in the place of your kingdom forever.