An Exposition of the Kingdom

Luke 8:10  He said, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of God has been given to you, but to to others I speak in parables, so that,

“ 'though seeing, they may not see;
though hearing, they may not understand.'  (NIV-2011)

What we have here in Luke chapter 8 is an exposition on the Kingdom of God - what does it look like when Jesus goes about "proclaiming and bringing the kingdom of God"? Remember, He is training the twelve (Lk. 8:1, ESV) as He is about to send them out on their own to 'drive out all demons, cure diseases, proclaim the kingdom of God and heal the sick' (Lk. 9:1-2). True followers of Jesus put His words into practice (v. 21). Faith is required to see the kingdom come (v. 25, 48, 50). Testimony is the proper response when you encounter the kingdom - testimony which glorifies God (v. 39).

Some will reject our message. Some will appear zealous at first and then fade away (v. 13). Some will receive our message but never mature due to entanglement with worldly concerns (v. 14). Some will grow and produce fruit - it's an issue of the heart (v. 15). We should not be dismayed or dissuaded/distracted when this happens. Jesus told us ahead of time that this would be so. Brad, proclaim the message of the kingdom (Jesus is King and therefore everything is new) and do the works of the kingdom. It starts with obedience to His word(s) in your own life, "put it into practice" (v. 21) - obedience, simple obedience. Build your life on the rock of His (Jesus') teaching (6:46-48). Faith is a critical element - you're going to have to step out in faith and just trust Him. Testimony, telling others what he has done for you, is the disciple's response when He comes through, when that prayer is answered, when you find your trust was not in vain: "you will be my witnesses" (Acts 1:8)! Obedience, faith, and testimony to His faithfulness - that's it.

God may I be obedient, a man of faith - faithful and full of faith. Brad: "go and tell" (v. 39, 7:22). Holy Spirit build, grow in me a thirst, a longing for obedience - to do what is pleasing in Your eyes Lord and thus be glorified. Be glorified, Lord Jesus. Be glorified in me. Holy Spirit grant me strength and faith to not forget this moment, this conviction. God my Father, create in me a clean heart, a new heart that I might serve You. Bring Your kingdom.

In Jesus' name - Amen, 
                                  Son

Spiritually Reproducing

Matthew 21:43  Therefore I tell you the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing fruits.  (ESV)

In this parable (v. 33-46) Jesus gets the Chief Priests & Elders to proclaim their own ill fate (v. 41).  Note how masterfully here He turns it back to the vineyard analogy - those who do receive the kingdom will be a "fruit-bearing" people.  When those who were not worthy rejected the kingdom, God invites all to come (22:9).  It was the tax collectors and prostitutes who believed the message of John (v. 32).  "Many are called but few are chosen" (v. 14).  Of those who come, there must be a fruit-bearing transformation!

In Jesus, God takes the kingdom from the religious, legalistic, ethnically-pure, and offers it to all the world (Gentiles).  But those of us who are fortunate enough to receive it must be fruit-bearing people - spiritually reproducing!  Brad, go and make disciples - not disciples of you, followers of Jesus.  Point the way to Him.  Teach them His words, show them His way.

Who You love, I'll love.  How You serve, I'll serve.  Where You go, Lord Jesus, I will go.  I will follow You.*  You are my King, Lord God.  Come Holy Spirit.  Fill me and empower me to make disciples of Jesus.  For I have it not (this ability) within myself.  I present myself as as living sacrifice to bear fruit for the kingdom.

In Jesus' name - Amen,

                                Son

*from the song I Will Follow by Chris Tomlin