Amy and I will admit it: whenever we get one verse -- or in today’s case, one half of a verse -- we fear that we won’t be able to say enough to the Body. And each time we are reminded that our Father is the Most High God over all...even unpacking half verses to the benefit of His children. Today’s verse is small but we would argue that it packs one of the most powerful messages in the Scriptures into a nine-word capsule.

As I was driving to see a friend the morning of writing for this passage, I turned on a radio station so I could turn my brain off. I realized I was squandering a great opportunity to spend some quiet time with the Lord. I put on instrumental music and right when I did, the sun rose over the ridgeline of trees. Our King showed up in His majesty -- I saw Him in that rising sun. And I thought: the Kingdom of Heaven is near and it is in and through all...so why don’t I experience it at all times? I thought back to the radio station I sometimes use to turn off my brain. It is an idol. My desire to be known for business prowess. It is an idol. Even good things like my desire to retire my parents in a way that they never have to worry about money again. It is an idol. Anything that does not involve simply emptying ourselves of all expectation and all hope except for the hope that we would be used for the Kingdom and experience nearness to the Godhead...it is an idol. And the Lord spoke into my spirit that it is idols that get into the way of both believers and non-believers experiencing the Kingdom of Heaven.

Let’s unpack further.

[Luke 10.9b]

9b The Kingdom of God has come near to you.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ 2 Corinthians 10.5b says to “take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ”. The first part of that verse covers tearing down arguments against Christ (external) and the second half covers taking every thought captive (internal). The whole of Luke 10 sort of mirrors this structure of external contending and internal contemplation and consideration. In that way, do you think the Lord was having his disciples in Luke 10 proclaim the Kingdom of God was near not only for others but for their own belief and meditation?

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Matthew 11.12 says "From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and violent men take it by force.”

+ Do you have idols that are interfering with you laying hold of the Kingdom? Phone app taking your time? Youtube videos? Political ideologies and your worldly identity winning your affection over unity with brothers and sisters in your church? There are many forms of idols. May we take every thought captive, and take the Kingdom of Heaven by force.

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Jesus never did anything alone. Read John 17 for the ultimate picture of togetherness our Master desires of us.

+ Are you walking with other aspiring disciples? If not, enter a time of prayer over this and consult fellow Body members, elders...whatever it takes to start your journey of discipleship. The Kingdom of God has come near you.