It is not here.
Jesus made it pretty clear that His kingdom was not here. “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then my servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm.” (John 18:36) We are taught to pray for His kingdom to come (Matthew 6:9-10), and we are also told to seek it now. (Matthew 6:32-34)
Not just that. We are told to “seek it first.” His kingdom. Not our own. And His righteousness. Not our own. Who has not been guilty of first seeking their own wants and needs? The cares of this world can be powerful distractions. And how easy it is to be deceived when trusting in ourselves.
Whether in Pakistan, UK or USA Christians are born into a hostile environment. There is not one nation that submits to the Lordship of Christ. His kingdom is not here. We enter it by faith, as a child not knowing much of anything. At first we simply clung tightly to our Father. Then, by His grace, we slowly mature. Imagine that! He gave us birth under the worst of conditions and uses them to teach us to overcome evil.
So, we seek His kingdom.
It seems like the safest thing to do under these circumstances. In faith we seek the King to know His Father’s will. Learning, we begin to trust that our experiences, in Jesus’ care, will be worked out for our good. In time we no longer seek our own kingdom and find that all of our needs are provided. Peace happens when we are seeking God’s righteousness. Let our thanks be to God as we grow as His children.
“He who follows righteousness and covenant loyalty, finds life, righteousness and honor.” (Proverbs 21:21)
His Family Table 