April 11, 2021

The Already and Not Yet Kingdom

Overview: 1 Samuel 10-12, Luke 13:1-21

In 1 Samuel, Saul becomes the first king chosen by the Lord to lead Israel. Saul is privately anointed by Samuel and later publicly chosen by lot to be king. 

In Luke, Jesus continues his journey to Jerusalem, giving various warnings and teachings to his disciples along the way. 

Observation and Activation

“Then the Spirit of the Lord will rush upon you, and you will prophesy with them and be turned into another man. Now when these signs meet you, do what your hand finds to do, for God is with you.” - 1 Samuel 10:6-7

When the Spirit of the Lord rushes upon Saul, it means that God equips and empowers him to serve the interests of God’s people. He is “turned into another man” not by losing himself, but by being transformed to play a new role as king of Israel. 

The parables of the mustard seed and the leaven contrast the kingdom of God’s modest beginnings with its glorious final state. What role do you have to play in advancing the kingdom of God in our world today?