Devotional: Already & Not Yet- The Nearness of God’s Kingdom
“‘The time has come,’ he said. ‘The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!’”
— Mark 1:15 (NIV)
When Jesus stepped onto the scene, He announced something brand new: “The Kingdom of God has come near.” He wasn’t just another prophet or teacher pointing to a distant hope. He was bringing heaven close. Wherever Jesus went, the Kingdom went with Him. That means the reign of God isn’t just something far off in the future; it’s already breaking into our world today.
The Kingdom of God is wherever His will is done without resistance. That’s a powerful truth, because it means the Kingdom isn’t limited to a location or a building. It isn’t about political power or human systems. It’s about God’s rule breaking into the ordinary moments of our lives. The Kingdom shows up in forgiveness extended to someone who hurt you. It shows up when you choose to serve instead of being served. It shows up when you let go of fear and trust that God is in control.
But here’s the challenge: most of us resist. We resist God’s way when we cling to our own little kingdoms, our control, our plans, our preferences. Jesus calls us to lay those down, not because He wants to take something from us, but because He wants to give us something far greater. When we let go, when we surrender, we step into the freedom and peace that only His Kingdom brings.
Jesus makes the Kingdom accessible in a way like never before. Through His life, death, and resurrection, He opened the door for us to live in God’s presence now. That means you don’t just wait for heaven, you start tasting it here. Every time you trust Him, every time you obey, every time you forgive, every time you love, you’re participating in His Kingdom. And the more you live that way, the more you realize: His Kingdom isn’t far off. It’s here, it’s near, and it’s breaking through in your life.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for bringing Your Kingdom near through Jesus. Help me to let go of resistance and welcome Your reign in every part of my life. Teach me to see where You are at work and to join in with joy and faith. Amen.
Questions for Reflection
Where in your life do you see the evidence of God’s Kingdom already at work?
What areas are you still resisting His will?
How would your relationships or decisions change if you fully trusted that the Kingdom is here and now?
Practical Application
This week, choose one area where you’ve been resisting God’s will. It might be a relationship, a habit, or even a mindset. Pray specifically about that area each day, asking God to bring His Kingdom there. As a simple reminder, write down the phrase “Wherever Jesus is, the Kingdom is” and keep it where you’ll see it often—on your phone screen, your mirror, or your desk.
Listen: The Meaning of Jesus Part 4; The Kingdom of God; a series by Tim Keller
The Kingdom of God isn’t something distant we’re waiting for. It’s already here, made real in Jesus. Wherever His will is done, His Kingdom shows up. You and I have the chance to live in that reality today, not by our own strength, but by trusting the One who brought heaven near.
