How many memberships or subscriptions do you have to organizations that provide benefits? An insurance plan. A hotel chain or airline club.
Do you use your AARP card to get free coffee at McDonald’s? Your Marriott Rewards for discounts on Amazon? Your Costco membership for free extended warranty?
You probably have benefits you’re not receiving from your memberships, including this one: As a Christian, you are a member of the kingdom of God.
What does it mean to be a member of the kingdom of God? How does it make a difference? And where does it work?
Jesus has shown us this week that the kingdom of God is alive and ruling even in your wilderness, that its joyful messages changes your life, and now he ensures that you don’t miss out on those benefits. He gives you this promise:
“The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you” (Mark 4:11).
The kingdom of God is already here. Among us. In you. If you want to find the kingdom of God, you’ll find it in an unexpected person. You.
The sinner who is forgiven by King Jesus who fought the battle for you and won. The repentant sinner who believes that when Jesus says he has gospel good news, it changes things for you. The child of God pushed into your own wilderness by the Spirit so that you can walk a new path of obedience and trust, of growth and worship.
How much closer will you come to God? Look carefully. Because in unexpected locations, with an unexpected message, to an unexpected person, God in his kingdom already comes close to you.
The kingdom of God is much more than carrying a membership card. The kingdom of God carries you.
PRAYER: Dear God, your kingdom comes even without my asking, but now I ask for your kingdom to come always to me, and to be shared through me. Amen.
FURTHER MEDITATION: Watch this animated video teaching about the kingdom of God https://youtu.be/xmFPS0f-kzs. What fresh insight did you learn?
