God's Upside Down Kingdom-- the Inner Kingdom of Jesus (John's Guest Post)
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The kingdom of Jesus is an upside-down kingdom; it turns the definition of a kingdom on its head. Worldly kingdoms bask in their own power, personality, pride, and revolt.
The kingdom of Jesus is the reverse; it basks in the benevolent monarchy of Jesus.
The kingdom of Jesus is a small, living seed that grows, matures, and nurtures its citizens, and not a huge dead structure that sucks the life out of its occupants. (Matthew 13:31-32)
The kingdom of Jesus is given to vulnerably insignificant followers, not a kingdom usurped by a strong charismatic leader. (Luke 12:32)
The kingdom of Jesus is open-doored only to the innocent and humble, never to the sophisticated and proud. (Luke 18:16-17)
[* For more on this, see the first post in this series]The kingdom of Jesus is embodied in the presence of deity who indwells its citizens. (Luke 17:20-21)
The kingdom of Jesus is unassailably established in the spiritual realm, and is not dependent on violent assault in this world to establish Jesus as king. (John 18:33-38)
The kingdom of Jesus is ruled by one who is in us and is greater than he who is in the world. (1 John 4:4)
The kingdom of Jesus is ruled by one worthy to receive power by virtue of his sacrifice, not a self-focused human ruler who has taken power for himself. (Revelation 5:12)
The kingdom of Jesus forever unites us with the love of God in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:38-39)
The following song expresses these upside-down traits of the Kingdom of Jesus.
The first video is of the musicians performing and the second video shows the lyrics as the song plays.
Through his music, Jon Guerra addresses the conundrum of being citizens of a kingdom not of this world and while yet inhabiting a kingdom of this world. He encourages us to be attentive to our true citizenship in Jesus’ kingdom.
