Wherever Jesus Is by David Jeremiah

Monday, June 5

Wherever Jesus Is 

From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
Matthew 4:17 

Recommended Reading Colossians 1:13-14

A large golden eagle with the letters SPQR (Senatus Populus que Romanus—Senate and People of Rome) engraved beneath it could only mean one thing in the ancient world: You were inside the boundaries of the Roman Empire. Wherever the Roman Standard appeared, the authority of Rome ruled.

The same is true of Jesus and the kingdom of heaven: Wherever Jesus is, heaven—the eternal kingdom of God—is present. When Jesus began His ministry, His first message was, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” How could that be? There was no change in the city of Jerusalem; Jesus had no armies or royal retinue; Rome was still ruling Palestine. Jesus could say that the kingdom of heaven was present because He, the king, was present. Jesus said that heaven—eternal life—begins when we know God through knowing Him (John 17:3). Yes, Christ will be present when the eternal kingdom is revealed (Revelation 5:6-14). But if you are His, you are in His kingdom—now and for all eternity.

Jesus prayed for heaven—God’s kingdom and will—to be realized on earth as well as in heaven (Matthew 6:10). Don’t wait to enjoy heaven. Live in its fullness today.

Communion with God is the beginning of heaven. 
William Bates