Let the Kingdom of God Dwell Within Your Heart Today -Part 1210

Interestingly, Jesus often spoke parables to those certain "which trusted in themselves" - those who considered themselves to be righteous, and as a consequence despised others. (Luke 18:9)

We read that in the midst of Samaria Jesus had healed ten men of their leprosy. When they saw Jesus, they said, "Jesus, Master, have mercy on us." When Jesus saw them, He told them to go show themselves unto the priests. As they went on their way, they were cleansed.

But one of them (when he recognized that he had been healed) turned back and with a loud voice glorified God. Indeed, the man fell down at Jesus' feet, giving Him thanks. Jesus answering said,  "Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? There are not found that returned to give glory to God, save this stranger."  (Luke 17:11-18)

And Jesus said, "Arise, go thy way. Thy faith hath made the whole."  (Luke 17:19; Matthew 9:23) As an aside, note that the man fell at Jesus feet when he glorified God. He knew that Jesus was God in the flesh, and unlike the modern day religious culture, did not have to go searching for another).

This caused the Pharisees to demand of Jesus "when" the kingdom of God would come. It is within this context that Jesus is speaking the parable about always praying, and not to faint.

To elaborate on this last point, Jesus tells the parable of a judge which feared not God, and neither regarded men. Jesus says, "And there was a widow in that city and she came unto him saying, "Avenge me of mine adversary and he would not. But afterward, he said within himself, "Though I fear not God, nor regard men, yet because this widow troubleth me, I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me." (Luke 18:1-5)

And the Lord said, "Hear what the unjust judge said. And shall not God avenge His own elect, which cry day and night unto Him, though He bear long with them? I tell you He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth?" (Luke 18:6-8)

For it is written, "For yet a little while and He that shall come will come and will not tarry. Now the just shall live by faith, but if any man draw back, My soul shall have no pleasure in him." (Hebrews 10:37-38)

You see there are those who like to justify themselves before men but God knows the hearts. - "for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God." Luke 16:15)

And in this case, the Pharisees did not know how nigh the kingdom of God was to them. Here was the King of kings and Lord of lords standing right before them, having just healed the ten men of leprosy and yet they still tried to justify themselves. These Pharisees still tried to declare their self-imposed righteousness in front of the very Lord who knew them in their mother's womb.

This is why Jesus rightly said, "The Law and the prophets until John, since that time the kingdom of God is preached and every man presses into it." (Luke 16:15)

How do we press into Jesus? In continual prayer. (Luke 18:1) Being thankful for the many blessings bestowed upon us each and every day. (Luke 11:1-4) And just like the disciples asked Jesus, "teach us to pray" we should be earnestly seeking Him through His Word. Study to shew thyself approved, as a workman does.

In these last days, Jesus is still inviting us to come, and let His kingdom - the kingdom of God - dwell within us. Jesus is inviting us to enter into His peace and joy that passes all human understanding.

"For ye were sometimes darkness but now are ye light in the Lord, walk as the children of light ... for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth, proving what is acceptable unto the Lord." (Ephesians 5:8-9) Not because of us but rather, that God willingly came unto His own to save us from our sin.

"And they called His name Jesus for He shall save His people from their sin." (Matthew 1:21-23)

Stand in the offering plate.