Kingdom Come

Palm Sunday reminds us of a pivotal moment in history – Jesus entering Jerusalem not on a war horse or with an army, but humbly riding on a donkey. The crowds shouted "Hosanna!" and waved palm branches, perhaps expecting a political revolution. But Jesus came to bring the kingdom in an unexpected way: through humility, suffering, and sacrifice.

This surprising nature of God's kingdom isn't limited to that one moment. Throughout history, we see God's reign breaking through in ways that confound human expectations. One powerful example of this can be found in the book of Acts, chapter 16, as the message of Christ spreads to the city of Philippi.

The story unfolds not in palaces or grand gatherings, but by a riverside, in a jail cell, and through the lives of ordinary people. It's a reminder that God's kingdom comes in five key ways: through tactical prayer, bold preaching, sacrificial pain, fearless praise, and ordinary people.

Tactical Prayer
Prayer isn't just a passive activity confined to church walls. It's a powerful, strategic tool in bringing God's kingdom to earth. We see this exemplified in Acts 16 as believers gather by the river to pray, as Paul and Silas make their way to a place of prayer, and most dramatically, as they lift their voices in a midnight hymn from the depths of a prison cell.

This "tactical prayer" is about engaging God in all situations of life – the joyful moments, the frustrating ones, and even in the midst of suffering. It's taking prayer out of the church and into the streets, into our neighborhoods, and into those moments when we simply don't know what else to do. When we pray tactically, we're acknowledging that we're in a spiritual battle, and we're inviting God's kingdom to break through in powerful ways.

Bold Preaching
The kingdom of God advances through the bold proclamation of the gospel. We see this as Paul shares the message of Christ with Lydia by the riverside, and later with the Philippian jailer in the midst of a crisis. The beauty of this preaching is that it doesn't rely on human manipulation or persuasion. Instead, it trusts in the power of God to open hearts and minds to the truth.

As the scripture tells us, "the Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message." This reminds us that while we speak the words, it's the Holy Spirit who does the real work of transformation. Our role is to faithfully and boldly share the simple yet profound truth: "Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved."

Sacrificial Pain
The values of God's kingdom will always come into conflict with the ways of the world. In Philippi, we see this clash as the liberation of a slave girl disrupts an entire economic system built on exploitation. The result? Paul and Silas are beaten and thrown into prison.

This serves as a sobering reminder that following Christ and advancing His kingdom often comes at a cost. It may not always mean physical persecution, but it does mean being willing to lay down our comfort, get our hands dirty, and enter into the pain of others. As we stand for truth and goodness in a fallen world, we should expect to face rejection, ridicule, and suffering.

Fearless Praise
One of the most powerful scenes in this narrative is Paul and Silas singing hymns in their prison cell at midnight. This wasn't a polished performance or a Sunday morning routine – it was raw, authentic praise in the midst of suffering. Their fearless worship not only impacted their fellow prisoners but set the stage for a miraculous deliverance.

This challenges us to move beyond passive or professional praise to active, participatory worship in all circumstances. When we lift our voices in praise – whether in joy or in pain – we shift our focus from our circumstances to the character and glory of God. This kind of fearless praise can be a powerful witness, causing others to wonder about the source of our joy and peace.

Ordinary People
Perhaps the most encouraging aspect of this story is how God uses ordinary, unlikely people to establish His kingdom. Lydia, a businesswoman. A formerly demon-possessed slave girl. A jailer and his family. These became the nucleus of the church in Philippi – a community that would later be known for its generosity and grace.

This reminds us that God doesn't need the most influential or talented individuals to build His kingdom. He uses ordinary people like you and me – those who are willing to respond to His call with faith and obedience.

Reflecting on Our Role in God's Kingdom

As we consider these five ways God's kingdom comes, we're invited to examine our own lives and communities:

• How can we engage in more tactical prayer, bringing God into every situation we face?
• Are we boldly sharing the message of Christ, trusting in the Holy Spirit to open hearts?
• Are we willing to embrace sacrificial pain, standing for truth even when it's costly?
• Do our lives overflow with fearless praise, even in difficult circumstances?
• Do we recognize that God wants to use ordinary people – including us – to advance His kingdom?

The story of God's kingdom coming to Philippi reminds us that transformation often happens in unexpected ways and through unexpected people. It's not about grand gestures or having everything figured out. It's about being available, faithful, and responsive to God's leading.

As we reflect on Palm Sunday and Jesus' humble entry into Jerusalem, let's be encouraged that the same surprising, transformative power of God's kingdom is at work today. Through prayer, preaching, pain, praise, and ordinary people, God continues to establish His reign "on earth as it is in heaven."

May we be active participants in this unfolding story, allowing God's kingdom to come in and through us, bringing hope, healing, and transformation to our world.