Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.” John 18:36
Interesting that Jesus made this statement, when that’s actually what Peter did! He cut off a soldiers ear with his sword to protect Jesus from being captured. Jesus famously said, those who live by the sword will die by the sword. At the end of this chapter, Barabbas was freed, and he was a part of an uprising! Jesus could have led a political uprising, he had the numbers of followers, the opportunity was there. But he had to fulfill what his Father had ordained him to do. To bring the Kingdom of God, a spiritual kingdom.
One of the greatest criticisms of “religion” is that it’s started wars and caused so much trouble on the earth. Jesus didn’t come for a physical overthrow, he can with an unseen kingdom. Whenever there was a miracle, it was the kingdom of light overcoming the kingdom of darkness.
The example of some Muslims trying to introduce Sharia law, is an example of trying to overthrow a system with a religious system. Jesus had no such plan. His plan was to see people transformed by the Gospel, then that would bring God’s rule and reign in someones life.
What are the weapons of our kingdom? Prayer, servanthood, giving, love, the word of God. Not guns, or bombs, or cyber warfare. But spiritual weapons to defeat the kingdom of darkness.
Lord, give me insight into your kingdom. Help me fix my eyes on the things unseen, not on the things of this world. Give me kingdom eyes, kingdom hands and a kingdom heart. In Jesus name. Amen.