Already Not Yet

Dear GCI Family and Friends,

In Luke’s Gospel, we read:

Once Jesus was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, and he answered, ‘The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; nor will they say, “Look, here it is!” or “There it is!” For, in fact, the kingdom of God is among you.’ Luke 17:20-21 NRSVA

The Pharisees asked a question that has been on the minds of people from all ages. Jesus provides a mysterious, spiritual answer. The kingdom is among you or within you. They, and probably us as well, were looking for tangible markers. What events and conditions would take place for Father to signal to the Son it is time to return?

Rather than starting with describing the deterioration of humanity, like the time of Noah, Jesus challenges their thinking. Which is more important, that we are in the kingdom or that the kingdom is in us?

In the GCI booklet, The God Revealed in Jesus Christ: an Introduction to Trinitarian Faith, we read:

Jesus has not simply done something for us, he has done something with us by including us in his life, death, resurrection and ascension. Paul explains this in Ephesians 2:4-6:

• • • • When Jesus died, we, in our sinful human nature, died with him.
      • When Jesus rose, we, in our reconciled human nature, rose with him.
      • When Jesus ascended, we, in our redeemed human nature, ascended and became seated with him at the Father’s side.

All that Jesus did as a human was done on behalf of humanity. When he died, we also died. When he rose from the grave, we also rose. When he ascended to heaven and sat down at Father’s side, we ascended, too. So, when Jesus came announcing his eternal kingdom he had humanity in mind. The kingdom is not some far-off ethereal concept like Camelot or Nirvana — it is life in and with the King.

If Jesus is present in us, so is his kingdom. Jesus has inaugurated the kingdom, and he also speaks of a fullness yet to be completed. This is why we use the phrase, “already but not yet.” We live in the tension between this present evil age and the glorious age to come when Christ returns in glory to make all things new.

God’s kingdom is present in the witness of the Church, and still, it often seems to be a hidden kingdom. As followers of Jesus, he wants us to shine the light of his truth and grace and make his kingdom known, visible.

You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:14-16 NIV

We underestimate our ability to impact the world for good. Therefore, we become comfortable being hidden, hunkered down awaiting the glory to come. Each of us has the light of Jesus in us through the dwelling of the Holy Spirit. The light of Christ in you can make a tremendous difference, even if it’s one neighbor or one family member at a time. GCI brothers and sisters, let’s resolve to join Jesus announcing his kingdom in word and deed. His kingdom is present, and it is expanding as he works through you and me to draw others to himself.

Kingdom Culture—be a part of it!
Greg Williams