His Kingdom is greater than my democracy.
By Pastor Darrell Williams
"The kingdom of God is not coming with signs that can be observed... For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst." — Luke 17:20-21
In our modern world, we often view "kingdoms" through the lens of democracy, republics, or political systems. We look at the mountains of influence—government, media, business—and try to measure success by how much ground we’ve gained. We look for observable signs like geopolitical shifts for "proof" that the Kingdom is closer.
But during my time in Thailand, I learned a lesson that shifted my entire perspective. As American in Thailand, I learned about a system of life very different from my experience in republic of the United States. Thailand is governed by a king and the citizens are governed by his decrees.
In a kingdom, life isn't a "what"; it’s a "who." Citizens don't vote on the law; they live according to the edicts of the King. They are his subjects. Their quality of life—their peace, their security, their future—is entirely dependent on the character of the one on the throne.
Thailand as a kingdom has been ranked among the best countries in the world by several metrics. While grateful to live with the rights and privileges of a citizen of the United States, there are principles to learn from the realities of a kingdom to help us understand it's references in Scripture.
The King in Your Midst
The Pharisees were looking for a geopolitical Messiah. They wanted something to help them to sit atop a visible, worldly hierarchy. Many today do the same, scouring the news for apocalyptic signs in the Middle East to "calculate" the return of Christ.
But Jesus told them: You’re looking in the wrong direction for the wrong thing.
The evidence of the King isn’t found in a headline; it’s found in a life surrendered to His lordship. The Kingdom of God has already begun. It is "already" and "not yet." It is accessed every time:
* A man or woman places their faith Jesus.
* A person chooses forgiveness over bitterness.
* A son or daughter finds freedom from addiction.
* Someone repents of racism to love their neighbor.
* A spouse gives difficult marriage one more try.
Citizenship vs. Affiliation
In today's climate, many want to be affiliated with Christianity without having a desire for the Christ of the faith. They want the label, but not the Lordship. But what good is a Kingdom if the citizens aren't subject to the King’s law?
Jesus said, “Why do you call me Lord and not do what I say?” Accessing the Kingdom in our midst first requires that I give the King and His Word access to me. Oftentimes we want a vote on areas we don't want to surrender to God - in forgiveness, sexuality, financial priorities, etc.
When citizens truly access God’s Kingdom we realize that the law of His Word is for our benefit and blessing. The Word of the compassionate King gives:
- Peace that passes understanding.
- Purpose that outlasts our careers and lifetimes.
- Assurance that our souls are safe, no matter what happens in the world.
A Foretaste of Glory
We spend so much time waiting for a future event that we miss the King who is standing right in front of us. Seeing the wonders of this world—the Super Bowl, the White House, Amusement Parks or the biggest celebrities—won't change you. But when you see the King, we are changed forever with every encounter
The Kingdom of Heaven isn't just a destination it is a person - Jesus Christ the King. His Kingdom is the fulfillment of a relationship that it's citizens can access today. Since the King is "in your midst," then His victories are already your victories.
Is He your "What" or is He your "Who"?
Reflect & Engage
1. In what area of your life are you still trying to "vote" instead of submitting to the King's decree?
2. How have you seen the "evidence" of the Kingdom in your own life?
To listen to the entire message podcast on spotify, click here: His Kingdom > My democracy.
