Thy Kingdom
The Kingdom They Didn’t See Coming
May 18, 2025
In a world obsessed with power, influence, and visible success, we often overlook the most transformative force in existence – the Kingdom of God. This isn't a kingdom of earthly thrones or political might, but rather an "upside-down" kingdom that defies our expectations and challenges our deepest assumptions about how the world works.
The concept of God's Kingdom has been misunderstood throughout history. Even in ancient times, people longed for a conquering king, a political messiah who would overthrow oppressors and establish an earthly reign of power. But the Kingdom that arrived was nothing like what they anticipated.
Instead of a warrior on a warhorse, a humble teacher rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. Rather than raising a sword, he raised the dead. In place of ascending to a throne, he laid down his life on a cross. This was a Kingdom no one saw coming – one that would reflect God's heart rather than human ideas of power.
From the very beginning, God's plan was to establish a spiritual kingdom on earth. He wasn't interested in starting a new religion or political system. His vision, as described in Exodus 19, was to raise up "a kingdom of priests and a holy nation" – a people with a direct, personal relationship with their Creator.
The arrival of this Kingdom was announced with these powerful words: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel." (Mark 1:15) This declaration shattered expectations. The Kingdom wasn't a far-off future hope; it was present, immediate, and transformative.
Jesus himself embodied this Kingdom in human form. Every miracle he performed, every parable he taught, and every soul he redeemed offered a glimpse into the nature of God's reign. This Kingdom wasn't about conquering territory, but about transforming lives from the inside out.
To help people grasp this radical concept, Jesus often used parables. He compared the Kingdom to a tiny mustard seed that grows into a massive tree, providing shelter for birds. This imagery speaks to how something seemingly insignificant – like the message of God's love – can grow to have a profound and far-reaching impact.
In another parable, Jesus likened the Kingdom to leaven (yeast) mixed into dough. Just as a small amount of yeast permeates and transforms an entire batch of bread, the influence of God's Kingdom quietly but powerfully changes everything it touches. This is how the Kingdom operates in our lives and in the world – often unseen, but with results that can't be ignored.
The ultimate paradox of this Kingdom was revealed in Jesus' death and resurrection. What appeared to be defeat became the greatest victory. The cross, a symbol of shame and suffering, became the throne from which true power flowed. Jesus conquered not by destroying his enemies, but by forgiving them. This is the heart of the Kingdom – a power that transforms through sacrificial love rather than force.
So how do we live as citizens of this unexpected Kingdom? It requires a radical shift in our thinking and priorities:
1. Repent of false expectations: We must let go of our preconceived notions about what God's reign should look like and surrender to His plan, not ours.
2. Embrace Kingdom values: Forgive those who hurt us, love our enemies, speak truth in love, serve quietly, and give generously. These actions may seem counterintuitive, but they reflect the character of our King.
3. Live under His rule 24/7: The Kingdom isn't limited to an hour on Sunday mornings. It should influence every aspect of our lives – our work, relationships, decisions, and worldview.
4. Become agents of transformation: Like leaven in dough, we are called to be catalysts for positive change wherever we go. The Kingdom of God moves through us into our families, workplaces, and communities.
5. Recognize the King's presence everywhere: God's Kingdom isn't confined to church buildings or religious spaces. It's present in the most unexpected places – from glittering cities to forgotten slums, in moments of joy and in the depths of despair.
The message of this Kingdom is one of hope and invitation. It's not reserved for the perfect or the powerful. Instead, it welcomes the broken, the hungry, the hurting, and all who are willing to lay down their own agendas and pick up their cross to follow the true King.
As we encounter this Kingdom, we're faced with a crucial question. It's not "Where is the Kingdom of God?" because His reign is everywhere. The real question is, "Am I ready to surrender to the King?" This is the pivotal decision that transforms us from spectators into active participants in God's redemptive work in the world.
Embracing this Kingdom means turning away from the lesser kingdoms that vie for our allegiance – whether they're kingdoms of wealth, pleasure, or self-centeredness. It means aligning our lives with a greater purpose, one that transcends our personal comfort or success.
The good news is that this Kingdom is not a far-off dream, but a present reality we can step into today. It's an invitation to experience life as it was meant to be lived – in harmony with our Creator and in service to others. It's a call to be part of something greater than ourselves, a movement that is quietly but steadily renewing the world from the inside out.
As we reflect on this "upside-down" Kingdom, may we be challenged to see our lives and the world around us through new eyes. May we recognize the profound power of seemingly small acts of love and faithfulness. And may we have the courage to surrender our lives fully to the King who gave everything for us.
In a world that often feels chaotic and hopeless, the message of God's Kingdom reminds us that there is a greater reality at work. It invites us to be part of a story bigger than ourselves – a story of redemption, transformation, and ultimate hope. Will you accept the invitation to live as a citizen of this unexpected, unshakable Kingdom?
The concept of God's Kingdom has been misunderstood throughout history. Even in ancient times, people longed for a conquering king, a political messiah who would overthrow oppressors and establish an earthly reign of power. But the Kingdom that arrived was nothing like what they anticipated.
Instead of a warrior on a warhorse, a humble teacher rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. Rather than raising a sword, he raised the dead. In place of ascending to a throne, he laid down his life on a cross. This was a Kingdom no one saw coming – one that would reflect God's heart rather than human ideas of power.
From the very beginning, God's plan was to establish a spiritual kingdom on earth. He wasn't interested in starting a new religion or political system. His vision, as described in Exodus 19, was to raise up "a kingdom of priests and a holy nation" – a people with a direct, personal relationship with their Creator.
The arrival of this Kingdom was announced with these powerful words: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel." (Mark 1:15) This declaration shattered expectations. The Kingdom wasn't a far-off future hope; it was present, immediate, and transformative.
Jesus himself embodied this Kingdom in human form. Every miracle he performed, every parable he taught, and every soul he redeemed offered a glimpse into the nature of God's reign. This Kingdom wasn't about conquering territory, but about transforming lives from the inside out.
To help people grasp this radical concept, Jesus often used parables. He compared the Kingdom to a tiny mustard seed that grows into a massive tree, providing shelter for birds. This imagery speaks to how something seemingly insignificant – like the message of God's love – can grow to have a profound and far-reaching impact.
In another parable, Jesus likened the Kingdom to leaven (yeast) mixed into dough. Just as a small amount of yeast permeates and transforms an entire batch of bread, the influence of God's Kingdom quietly but powerfully changes everything it touches. This is how the Kingdom operates in our lives and in the world – often unseen, but with results that can't be ignored.
The ultimate paradox of this Kingdom was revealed in Jesus' death and resurrection. What appeared to be defeat became the greatest victory. The cross, a symbol of shame and suffering, became the throne from which true power flowed. Jesus conquered not by destroying his enemies, but by forgiving them. This is the heart of the Kingdom – a power that transforms through sacrificial love rather than force.
So how do we live as citizens of this unexpected Kingdom? It requires a radical shift in our thinking and priorities:
1. Repent of false expectations: We must let go of our preconceived notions about what God's reign should look like and surrender to His plan, not ours.
2. Embrace Kingdom values: Forgive those who hurt us, love our enemies, speak truth in love, serve quietly, and give generously. These actions may seem counterintuitive, but they reflect the character of our King.
3. Live under His rule 24/7: The Kingdom isn't limited to an hour on Sunday mornings. It should influence every aspect of our lives – our work, relationships, decisions, and worldview.
4. Become agents of transformation: Like leaven in dough, we are called to be catalysts for positive change wherever we go. The Kingdom of God moves through us into our families, workplaces, and communities.
5. Recognize the King's presence everywhere: God's Kingdom isn't confined to church buildings or religious spaces. It's present in the most unexpected places – from glittering cities to forgotten slums, in moments of joy and in the depths of despair.
The message of this Kingdom is one of hope and invitation. It's not reserved for the perfect or the powerful. Instead, it welcomes the broken, the hungry, the hurting, and all who are willing to lay down their own agendas and pick up their cross to follow the true King.
As we encounter this Kingdom, we're faced with a crucial question. It's not "Where is the Kingdom of God?" because His reign is everywhere. The real question is, "Am I ready to surrender to the King?" This is the pivotal decision that transforms us from spectators into active participants in God's redemptive work in the world.
Embracing this Kingdom means turning away from the lesser kingdoms that vie for our allegiance – whether they're kingdoms of wealth, pleasure, or self-centeredness. It means aligning our lives with a greater purpose, one that transcends our personal comfort or success.
The good news is that this Kingdom is not a far-off dream, but a present reality we can step into today. It's an invitation to experience life as it was meant to be lived – in harmony with our Creator and in service to others. It's a call to be part of something greater than ourselves, a movement that is quietly but steadily renewing the world from the inside out.
As we reflect on this "upside-down" Kingdom, may we be challenged to see our lives and the world around us through new eyes. May we recognize the profound power of seemingly small acts of love and faithfulness. And may we have the courage to surrender our lives fully to the King who gave everything for us.
In a world that often feels chaotic and hopeless, the message of God's Kingdom reminds us that there is a greater reality at work. It invites us to be part of a story bigger than ourselves – a story of redemption, transformation, and ultimate hope. Will you accept the invitation to live as a citizen of this unexpected, unshakable Kingdom?