Luke 17:20-37 - Ready Right Now for Our Returning King

Who are some of the most famous monarchs to have ever lived? Alexander the Great, the Grecian ruler was renowned for his military exploits. Louis XIV, known as the Sun King, oversaw the golden age of French art and culture. Cleopatra was the last pharaoh of Ancient Egypt, maybe most famous for her love affair with Julius Caesar and later Mark Anthony. There was the British monarch, King George III, who was king during the American Revolution. He became synonymous with tyranny and the arrogance of the old European aristocracy. 

As Americans we’re proud revolutionaries. We rebelled against the monarchy. We set our own destiny founded on the principles of democracy and self-rule. So, you might find it difficult to see yourself as a subject to any king. 

Yet, the Bible is full of kingdom language. There was the Old Testament expectation of a coming king. It was the substance of Jesus’ preaching as he went about proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God.

As we continue reading in our salvation story, the Pharisees ask Jesus when this kingdom would come. His disciples wanted to know where. We see that with the arrival of Jesus the kingdom of God was already here. Wherever Jesus resides he reigns. Though it cannot be seen, Jesus is reigning right now in the heavenly realm. However, he will one day visibly return and physically reign in the earthly realm too. Therefore, as loyal subjects, we submit to Jesus’ heavenly reign now to be ready for his earthly reign later.