Jesus launched his public ministry, Matthew said, by announcing “the good news of the kingdom” (Matthew 4:23). The “present tense” character of Jesus’ message is important for those of us who’ve tended to think of God’s Kingdom solely in future terms. To pray for the coming of the Kingdom is not just a wispy, wistful dream of an idealized future. It is a claim of our true citizenship here and now, and a way of bowing to God as our true king.

• How does the Kingdom of God upend ways of thinking and living that you (or others close to you) take as “common sense”? Can you identify one or two ways that this “not of this world” kingdom has changed your life? Have you learned to discern God’s will for your life, and if so, how? What spiritual disciplines and practices have you found helpful for understanding God’s will?
• In Exodus 19:6, Moses received this message for Israel: “You will be a kingdom of priests for me and a holy nation.” 1 Peter 2 (also Revelation 1:4-6) applied the same language to all of Christ’s followers. God’s Kingdom is not a set of lines on a map; it’s people who love and follow God, including you. Are you up for the privilege and challenge of being a citizen, a representative, of God’s Kingdom each day?