In Your Midst

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

Insight

Where's Waldo? Even after 32 years, people still struggle to pinpoint where a particular individual donned in a red and white striped sweater and glasses hangs out. As a kid, I immersed myself in these visual puzzle books.  

My younger brother and I would have races to see who could scan the sea of people, objects, and buildings and find that sneaky fellow looming in the background. The longer it took, the more frustrated we'd become because we knew without a shadow of a doubt that he was somewhere in our midst. 

The way Jesus describes how the Kingdom of God should operate in Luke 17 reminds me a lot of that old chap Waldo.

 It's not contained in a building or found in a program. Neither is it constrained strictly to Sunday. It lives amongst the people all day, every day. It gets expressed differently in different places. 

However, just like Waldo's familiar red and white striped wardrobe, the thing that holds it all together and remains the same is the love of Christ. 

God's Kingdom is in our midst. Sprinkled throughout our city and region, pockets of influence are springing up.  

Around a dining room table or at a coffee shop. 

In homes, schools and neighborhoods. 

Within boardrooms, city buildings, and businesses. 

The Church resides wherever our feet touch. Why? Because He lives within our hearts. Look hard for ways to make an impact right where you are. 

Reflection

• What does it look like for you to "be the church" in the midst of where you reside?

Prayer

God, may I remember that I carry the influence of Your love and the integrity of Your image with me wherever I go. I will remember that my part matters. I want to represent You well in everything I do. In Your name, Jesus. Amen.