The Power of the Kingdom of God

Daily Reflection / Produced by The High Calling

"But if I am casting out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you."

Matthew 12:28

For contemporary American and European readers of the Gospels, Jesus' encounters with demons can seem strange, otherworldly, and downright unsettling. We don't tend to think of our world as filled with demons, and we don't like to imagine such a world. Yet the Gospels show us that Jesus regularly encountered demons in his ministry, and that he regularly vanquished them, setting free those who had been in bondage to demonic powers.

Jesus cast out demons, not only because he had compassion upon the afflicted, but also to demonstrate the presence of the kingdom of God. "If I am casting out demons by the Spirit of God," he said, "then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you" (v. 28). This verse makes clear that the kingdom of God isn't what we might call "going to heaven." And it isn't only some future reality, though it has a future dimension. Rather, the kingdom of God is the presence and power of God on earth. Wherever evil is defeated in the name of God, there God's kingdom is present.

As Christians, we have been given the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. The very power of God is available to us so that we might do the works of the kingdom of God. God has empowered us to be his ministers in every facet of our lives. When you go to work today, you bring the kingdom of God with you. The very Spirit of God is with you to use you in your workplace for God's kingdom purposes.

QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION: Do you live as if the power of God's Spirit were available to you? What difference would it make today if you truly believed that the Spirit of God was within you, ready to empower you for the work of the kingdom?

PRAYER: Dear Lord, today I'm reminded of the power that's available to me through your Spirit. How I wish I really believed this was true . . . and lived like it! So often I rely on my own strength, with you as an afterthought. I take on challenges I think I can handle, rather than that which requires your strength. Forgive me for my reticence and doubt. Help me to have greater confidence in your power. And then, Lord, may I live fearlessly and boldly for you in every aspect of life. Amen.

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Copyright

Contributors: Mark D. Roberts
Published by The High Calling, July 7, 2008. Image by Cindee Snider Re . Used with Permission.

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© 2008 by The High Calling and the Theology of Work Project, Inc.

Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.