Luke 17 Commentary
The Pharisees, again. This time the question is about the timing of the kingdom of God. This one is big! Jesus has repeatedly referenced this phrase, “the kingdom of God”.
It wasn’t an innocent question as they knew exactly what it meant – the rule of God over His people Israel. They also knew that Jesus was a square peg in a round hole for the sacred mention of the Kingdom of God.
We have the doubts, questions, and Jesus’ interactions with the Pharisees to thank for much of this gospel. And our own questions are answered in the process. There is a local saying in Zambia that the palace is wherever the king is. Jesus is the King. In attendance are His rule, subjects, rules, rewards, punishments, judgments, and an environment of righteousness, peace, and joy.
Part of the package is the suffering of the Messiah, to receive the punishment of the sinner. To be punished in the place of the sinner. When the LORD God Almighty, the holy Creator God swings His sword to punish the sinner, the Son (Jesus) intercepts it and exclaims, “Punished already. Let him or her pass”. To know Jesus and be on the list of the pardoned is truly the greatest news for the mortals.
The kingdom of God is simply the rule of Christ in an individual. Who determines what you think, say, do, or feel? That is the kingdom of God!
The process of salvation continues and shall eventually sweep into the rest of God’s creation. The Son shall show up in great glory, visible to all, and spells doom for the ‘unpardoned’, the pagans, and sin itself.
This event is a global event regardless of time and space, living or dead; it is for all humanity. The Creator God will have shown up to make all things new. Let there be no mistakes about this event. Lies and more false claims about this event will pile up but the saint must know better.
When will this happen? Are there signs? None. The answer is none. You know when it happens. When you see the vultures, know the corpse is there. They never gather anticipating a miracle corpse within hours, days, weeks, or any time in the future. They gather only when the corpse is there.
In the meantime, it remains business as usual. But other things will happen, even unique events but nothing suggestive of the actual timing of the coming of the Son.
Never mind these details! Have you come back to Jesus to say your thanks for your healing? This kind of response brings true healing – a heart that submits in thanksgiving for the generosity of the LORD Jesus.
There is stuff to be done here and now. You are on duty. Subjects of the kingdom are on duty. We are servants who must perform our duties without demanding payment. This section haunts our view of the Christian walk as a rewards game. There is a place for duty. Yes, you are a daughter, but you are also a maid. Know what you are at all times. Not all times are ‘daughter’s pride’ times. And the LORD helps you know how the combination works.
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