John 18:36 Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place.”

You wouldn’t know this was in the Bible, to look at some Christian leaders and organizations! Actually, the prepositions are extremely important in this statement. The kingdom of God, that is, the kingdom Jesus is speaking of, is not of the world, but we are told to pray that it be in the world. The “world” that Jesus is speaking of here is the world system, with all the mess of ambition and pride and greed and everything else. That is distinct from this planet that God has provided for us to live on. Sometimes we get confused on that issue. That point is expressed most clearly in 1 John 2:15-17. Jesus’ kingdom certainly has nothing to do with lusts and pride! The other side of that coin is the danger of worshiping the planet. That seems to be quite popular these days! Responsible stewardship is certainly called for, but much “environmentalism” these days is an excuse to deny God and degrade man, who is created in His image. (The links between the environmental movement and the abortion movement are many, surprising, and disturbing.) Jesus’ famous teaching to “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33) applies in every area of life, and for that we need to have a growing awareness of what God’s kingdom is, and what it is not.

I’ve never been much of a “kingdom builder,” but that doesn’t mean I’m immune to the temptations of this world. I need to be faithful in seeking God’s will on every issue in every situation, committing myself to obedience even before I’m clear on what I am to do. As a pastor, I am to seek to teach the believers the difference between the world system and the earth, and how God’s kingdom applies to everything. That’s certainly a broad topic! As a church, we need to be anticipating Christ’s return and be faithful at the tasks He has set for us: most notably, communicating the Gospel to as many as possible while there is still time for them to receive it.

Father, thank You again for all You are doing here. Thank You that Sunday is Easter, and for all the people You are drawing to be here. I pray that Your presence would be clear and strong and that everyone would be touched by Your Spirit, drawing them from this world’s system into Your kingdom, for their salvation and Your glory. Thank You. Hallelujah!