After John was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:14-15)
Jesus Christ has come to establish the kingdom of God. The kingdom is God is humanity restored to a right relationship with God. In the same way that God redeems individuals, God also redeems human society. The kingdom brings harmony and peace between God and us. It also brings peace between individuals as we learn to love one another as brothers and sisters in Christ. The word “Christ” means “Messiah,” which means “The Anointed One” or “The King.” Jesus Christ is king, and we are citizens of his kingdom. As citizens, we learn to live by the values and principles of the kingdom and become representatives of the kingdom in the world. The church is the gathering of kingdom citizens who worship, learn, and serve together for the expansion of the kingdom. We do so until the return of our king, who will finally establish the kingdom in its eternal glory.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus Christ, you are the king, and I rejoice in your lordship. Thank you for establishing the kingdom of God and inviting me to become one of its citizens. Teach me and train me in the values and principles of your kingdom. Let me serve as your representative wherever I go or wherever you send me. Let me live in joyful anticipation of your return and the final establishment of your eternal kingdom.