Alternative Kingdom

Alternative Kingdom 2
God on Monday
Read previous

Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here’ (John 18.36).

Reflection

Jesus’ words to Pilate above remind us as his followers that we are not to live for any earthly structures of power. Our eyes are to be fixed on an alternative kingdom. Jesus’ words confirm earlier teachings he gave on what we are to seek and what we are to pray. We are to ‘Seek first the Kingdom of God’ and to pray ‘Your kingdom come’.

If we put this teaching into practice, we will be doing the greatest good we can do in this world. We will not only be believing the gospel but living the gospel. This is reflected in Jesus’ words to Pilate about Jesus’ servants fighting if his kingdom was of this world. His words probably reflect Pilate’s confusion about why Jesus’ followers were not fighting to save his life.

It is, however, in the loss of Jesus’ life that the coming of the Kingdom of God is set in motion. It will lead, one day, to God’s kingdom coming in fullness. Then there will be no more pain, suffering, injustice, deprivation, nor any power struggles. That is a vision worth living and working for in the here and now.

Response

What can we do in our work this week to help realize the coming Kingdom of God? We are all influencers in one way or another. Think about the influence you have - how will it model the values of that kingdom? Live this week in the truth that the Kingdom of God is at hand.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, may your kingdom come, your will be done in our lives as it is in heaven. Help us to live and lead according to the principles of your kingdom, and in joyful submission to you. May we hold loosely to the things that belong to the kingdoms of this world, so that we hold tightly. In Jesus name, Amen.

This Week's Author

Jodie Lintern, Student Outreach Pastor, St Aldates Church, Oxford

God on Monday is produced in partnership with the Church of England. The reflections are based on the scriptural readings designated for the next Sunday in the Church's lectionary. You can sign up here to receive each God on Monday instalment.

Feel free to share these reflections with your contacts via email and social media.

Hello and welcome to Faith in Business. We hope you enjoy getting to know us!
Click here to see more.

Get Involved

Get involved with Faith in Business

Stimulating and resourcing the business world for over 30 years

Faith in Business’ vision is of business as a force for good, transforming society in a way that expresses the kingdom of God. We encourage and equip Christian business people to be faithful followers of Jesus Christ in a demanding workplace context. With an eye on the future, we are especially committed to serving young business leaders.

Faith in Business is active on many fronts. We run an annual retreat, co-publish a quarterly journal, host a monthly webinar, provide topical weekly reflections and facilitate a business prayer network. As a volunteer-led organisation, we'd love you to get involved with us and there are a number of ways you can do this: