Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.” Luke 17:20-21
Yesterday I attended a zoom meeting with Habitat for Humanity of Wake County. The mission statement of Habitat for Humanity of Wake County is: “Seeking to put God’s love into action, Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities, and hope.” As I listened to the attendees share their enthusiasm about providing affordable housing to those who “pay too much of their income toward housing at the expense of other necessities like groceries, healthcare, and education,” I was encouraged by their commitment to building God’s kingdom on earth one house at a time.
Many believers do not think of themselves as kingdom builders. Yet this is precisely what they are. The kingdom we are building is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is where God’s love is put into action. Whenever we stand up for justice and equity, we build God’s kingdom. Those who march against racism, provide food to food-insecure people, and stand up against those who oppressed the poor and the downtrodden are kingdom builders.
The kingdom of God is built on divine principles that transcend human political and socio-economic constructs. The architect of God’s kingdom on earth is Jesus who used His shed blood to guarantee that it thrives until His second coming. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to operate as kingdom builders despite the challenges they face in a world that is resisting and rejecting Jesus as the Savior of the world.
The men and women who serve at Habitat by donating their time, talents, and financial resources are kingdom builders. Churches that support the mission of Habitat and invest in their vision are engaged in kingdom building. Whenever Habitat dedicates a house or invites the faith community to pray at the groundbreaking ceremony for a new ‘house build,’ they express kingdom-building faith.
In Luke 17:20, Jesus told the Pharisees that “the kingdom of God is in your midst.” The kingdom of God is not in the by and by. It is in our hearts, homes, offices, churches, neighborhoods, schools, etc. Wherever we live, work, serve, worship, and minister to others is a setting for the kingdom of God. Believers should not wait for the return of Jesus to experience the kingdom of God. We must build the kingdom of God on earth so Jesus can return.
Every act of random kindness is helping to build God’s kingdom on earth. God has not only appointed believers as ambassadors of Jesus Christ, but He has also equipped us to do His kingdom-building work. Kingdom builders benefit from God’s providential love. They are sustained by the peace of God through the Holy Spirit. They live in victory despite the many setbacks they may experience.
God is always recruiting kingdom workers. Today is a great day to accept this awesome job offer and join Jesus’ advanced team sent by God to prepare this world for the second coming of Jesus. Are you up to the challenge?
Questions for Personal Reflection
What are you doing to help build God’s kingdom on earth?
What are the benefits of being a kingdom builder?
Prayer- Blessed Lord, I thank you for saving me and giving me the opportunity to help build your kingdom on earth. Please help me to seek first your kingdom and its righteousness in every area of life. Soften my heart so I can be more inclined to do your will and help make this world a better place for others as a kingdom builder. Amen!