I last wrote about the kingdom of God, the gospel of the kingdom, which is broader than the gospel of salvation, and the need to understand the church is not the kingdom, it is subsumed under the kingdom of God. In response a friend, Mark, shared his definition of the kingdom of God (he and his wife have been faithfully pastoring for decades), “The liberating invasion, the present manifestation and the future consummation of the rule and reign of God in Jesus Christ.” I like Mark’s definition and as we go a little deeper let’s, look at a verse that I am sure is familiar.
33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)
Of note, Jesus didn’t tell us to seek the church, He told us to seek the kingdom of God. Now guess what, the Greek word translated seek means just that, to seek or search for something. Taking Mark’s definition, we should be looking for His kingdom to break into our lives and the lives of others. I don’t think we can make it happen, just as I don’t believe we can create revival. I believe revival is like a natural birth. It isn’t the labour (our effort) that brings on the baby, it is the baby beginning to move down the birth canal that brings on the labour.
Having said that, while I have never been in a revival movement. I have had times of personal revival when I responded to His leading in my life. I have had experiences and seen significant spiritual manifestations in small groups, church conferences and services, which leaves me wanting more! Yet while I know that I can’t create the breaking in of His kingdom I am also aware that I can position my heart to be ready by seeking and expecting it. After all that is the message of the wise and foolish virgins, the need to be prepared, to be ready. Solomon put it this way.
1 The preparations of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the Lord. Proverbs 16:1 (NKJV)
To that end, let us seek and search for the breaking in of His kingdom in our lives and communities and be found faithful by living with prepared hearts.