Between Two Kingdoms
Did you know we are living between two kingdoms?
The kingdom of God is anywhere God has rule and reign over His people. Prior to having a relationship with Jesus, all of us lived within the darkness, or as Colossians 1:13 says, “the dominion of darkness.” We all were captive to our previous way of life—a life marked by wrongdoing.
When Jesus came to earth, He brought a new kingdom which included a new way of life. This means that rather than being held captive to darkness, we can walk in the light. We are made new by the power of Jesus within our lives. Paul says that this new reality comes through believing in Jesus and the forgiveness of sins.
Through Jesus’ death and resurrection, He has opened up a way for us to have a relationship with Him, and experience this new life. Having been forgiven, we are now part of the kingdom of God—and this is something Colossians 1:13 confirms. But even though we are part of Jesus’ kingdom, we are still awaiting Jesus’ return when He will make all things new. This means we are living between two kingdoms: We are made new in the kingdom of God, and yet we are still living in an imperfect world.
In the meantime, our job is to expand the kingdom of God by telling others about Jesus. This is the mission that Jesus gave to His disciples in Matthew 28:18-20. As we tell others about the love of Jesus and point others toward a relationship with Jesus, we bring more people into the kingdom of Jesus and away from the kingdom of this world.
As members of God’s kingdom, we should always be thinking about the ways God wants to work within us. Have you considered your own role within God’s plan to bring the message of hope to those around you? You play an important role in God’s Kingdom. Think about how you can be bold in sharing that message with others.
True Humility and Wisdom
God granted King Solomon, the great King of Israel, wisdom beyond measure. From this, King Solomon penned much of the book of Proverbs, providing insight and knowledge regarding right living before God.
Solomon begins the book of Proverbs with this statement:
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Proverbs 1:7 ESV
He repeats this truth later in the book:
“The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.”
Proverbs 22:4 ESV
King Solomon had more riches than we can imagine. He was honored among the nations and had a full and prosperous life. We might not be kings, but the truth of this statement is timeless.
Hundreds of years later, Paul wrote a prayer for the Christians in his letter to the Ephesians that can provide context for Proverbs 22:4.
“…the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, ...