Do you ever feel like you’re living in an alternate universe?
I know that I sure do.
We are currently living here, in this world. But it can feel like living in limbo, if your heart longs to be somewhere else.
At the moment you believed in Christ Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you walked away from one place and entered into another. You were no more to be a servant of sin, but a citizen of God’s own encompassing Glory.
The world may have appeared to be the same, but it wasn’t. Because at that moment, you would never be the same again.
You were called by Jesus, and invited on a journey with Him—to come and follow Him on that small and narrow way.
You left your old domain—of sin and self—and stepped into the unseen realm of the Kingdom. God’s eternal Kingdom—invisible to the natural eyes, but present all around you.
The Kingdom is hidden in plain sight—among a fallen world that is quickly passing away. Jesus prayed,
“Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10)
It’s everywhere, and it’s as real as the air you breathe.
And now, more than ever, it is imperative that you are able to see the Kingdom. Not other’s ideas or opinions about it, but through the lens of scripture, and with your eyes of faith.
Jesus went to great lengths to describe and explain the Kingdom, in many parables—to any and all who “have ears to hear.” He used one example, and then another—and yet another. He passionately and purposely used His words, so that you would be able to “get it.”
And why was he so driven to expound on the Kingdom, over and over again? Because He wanted you to be sure of where you stand.
Sometimes Jesus speaks of the “kingdom of Heaven.” Other times He refers to the “kingdom of God,” or the “kingdom.” I am not writing a book here—so for our purposes, I’m not going get picky about which “kingdom” means exactly what. I am simply pointing out the distinctions of God’s eternal realm.
If a Bible scholar happens to be reading this, they may be bothered that I am using these scriptures interchangeably, and that I am not delving fully into the meaning of each parable.
But I’m not a Bible scholar. I’m just a guy that wants to help you “get it.”
Here are seven characteristics of the Kingdom, taken from the parables of Jesus. Please take the time to read them, and absolutely do study each one more fully on your own. But for now, just think about each one of these characteristics. Try to see yourself in these parables.
Where do you stand?
1) The Entrance Fee
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.” (Matthew 13:44)
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“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.” (Matthew 13:45-46)
These two parables of Jesus give some deep clues into what had long before taken place in heavenly realms: Christ was slain for sin, before the foundations of the world were laid.
That’s a hard concept for our puny minds to grasp, but we can see its reality—hidden in these two parables.
In the first parable, a man finds a hidden treasure in a field (all of humanity) and with joy, hides it again. Then he goes and sells all that he has to buy that whole field (all of humanity.)
In the second parable, the kingdom is like a merchant searching for costly pearls. He finds one pearl of great price (the treasure) and sells all that he has to buy it. The merchant represents God—and what does God treasure above all else? For what was He willing to give all that He had?
You. Any and all who seek His freely-given gift—His costly and complete salvation.
And His salvation was just as costly as it was complete. It cost Him everything, as He hung on a cruel cross. We can never fully understand the price He paid, but let us remember that we are His purchased and much-loved “pearl of great price.”
“For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.” (1 Timothy 2:5-6)
In His Holy sacrifice, Christ became our mediator (the go-between.) He alone could make the essential connection: God and creation coming together, to be family members of one another, for eternities of time. That, my friend, is the kingdom of God.
Now that we are reminded of what it took to bring us here, may we all view this place we have in Christ Jesus with new eyes—Kingdom eyes.
And take a look at yourself, with Kingdom eyes. Surely you can’t be the same person you were before, since you entered into this Kingdom. And likewise, it could not be the same once it received you. There is a new dynamic now. It is you—added to the armies of heaven, joined and fitted into your place.
Like the natural body needs the hands or the eyes to be complete, you also take your rightful position in the Body of Christ—to be and become what you were created to be. Not the “you” of before—living for self desires and relying on self determination—but “you” as an extension of the King of Heaven and earth.
You are to be about your Father’s business. His business has become your own, for you are now an heir to the eternal promises of His kingdom of life. Because He has paid your entrance fee.
And it cost Him everything.
2)The Sowing Process
“Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower.
When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.
But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. “
(Matthew 13:18-23)
As Jesus tells this parable, He gives us a distinct visual image of the sowing process. Upon reflecting on this parable, we can better understand what occurs within anyone whose heart is sown with that “good seed”—when the gospel of the Kingdom is given to them.
We see four different possibilities here, based upon the present ground conditions of the heart:
- To those merely standing on the wayside—the sidelines of life’s path—the message seems more like a rumor, or hear-say. For these, what isn’t easily understood is not believed—and so the enemy steals it away.
- The stony ground appears to be those who have a hard-hearted condition—which leaves the gospel message little room to take hold. They quickly receive it with joy. But as soon as they realize that people will give them trouble—or outright rejection—for following Christ, they become offended in their hearts. They come into the kingdom, but are soon discouraged, and distance themselves from it.
- The thorn-filled ground are those who desire God, but they have a divided heart—desiring the things of the world more than the things of the kingdom. They produce little or no good fruit, because their true desires are to produce wealth and a self-satisfying lifestyle.
- The good ground is those who are truly ready to receive the news. Their ground is plowed and prepared to receive seed. The rocks and thorns have been removed to accept the seed. God’s been working this ground—preparing it for the call into His Kingdom. This will be the fruitful life.
Naturally, we want to imagine that we are in this last category.
But check your life. Are you being fruitful in your walk with Christ? Are you open to God’s voice of leading or correction? Or Do you find yourself pushing the hard realities of God’s truth away, in favor of your own feelings or desires?
“I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing. If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.” (John 15:5-6)
Be real with yourself. Either you are abiding (staying) in Christ, and He continues to abide (stay) in you—or your relationship could be in serious trouble.
Just think about which ground describes your heart. Pray about your fruit.
Jesus made it clear that your whole future may depend on it.
3) The Qualifying/Disqualifying Factors
“The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.”
“…But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise:”
“So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.” (Matthew 22:2-3,5,10)
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“Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them: But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.” (Matthew 25:1-4)
“And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut. Afterward came also the other virgins, saying, Lord, Lord, open to us. But he answered and said, Verily I say unto you, I know you not.” (Matthew 25:10-12)
The words of Jesus above—and what I am about to say—may upset you. But honestly, I would rather that you be upset now, than be horrified with disappointment later.
The Kingdom is a real place. It has a real and everlasting King. He reigns in unmatched power and authority, and will reign with those who took Him seriously. Those who truly believe that He comes for all who diligently watch and wait for His return.
You’ve been given an invitation to His wedding. And you will not be able to make light of the situation.
We are immersed in a fallen, dark world, and in a generation that opposes God and His truth. You are to be a source of God’s light. You must not side with the world’s views of life. Do you really want to just assume that you will be welcomed into God’s Holy habitations, no matter what you think, do and say?
Any pretending on your part—professing and presenting as a true Christian, but living and doing as the unbelieving world does—will result in disaster.
“Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.”
“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:”
“And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand” (Matthew 7:21, 24, 26)
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“Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14)
Listen—God is on your side. He dearly loves you. But you’ve got to be on His side too—with your whole heart. The Kingdom is an all-in thing. The half hearted only make it halfway there.
Don’t be one of those.
4)The Growth Process
“Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.
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Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.” (Matthew 13:31-33)
It is so important to understand the singular concept of these two parables. Whether it’s throughout the whole earth—or within an individual person’s heart—the Kingdom is a growing and living entity. It is always moving, and continuously progressing—going somewhere. Becoming far more than it appears to be at the beginning.
The mustard seed appears to be inconsequential at first. Most would expect this tiny seed to become a small, insignificant plant. But no—it surprises everyone, and becomes a tree-sized bush, with branches strong enough for the birds to nest in.
When leaven (yeast) is mixed into dough, it is hidden and unseen. But in just a while, the results of that leavening process is quite evident. Fat loaves of bread appear where there were just lumps of dough in the beginning.
Does your faith seem small to you? In the Kingdom life, it will grow stronger and more effective.
As you submit to Christ—through His word and His leading—you will experience slow and steady growth. Your faith and fruitfulness will become increasingly more evident to you, and to those around you. It is the kingdom life within you, doing what it does best—creating a real sense of citizenship and purpose in God’s everlasting realm.
Ask God to help you grow up into what God has prepared for you to be and to do. Soon, you will look back and be amazed at how far you have come.
5) The Forgiveness Factor
“Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.
Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt….
Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.
So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.” (Matthew 18:23-24,27,32-35)
This is a lengthy parable and should really be studied in its fullness. But the message is clear.
In God’s eternal kingdom, forgiveness of others is not a suggestion, but a command.
And our failure to follow through in forgiving our fellow servants, or really anyone, seems to have real consequences.
The Kingdom has real rules to live by. And apparently, being forgiven by the King—and then not extending forgiveness to others—is a serious offense to God.
Some may argue that God is a loving God who surely wouldn’t allow anyone to be punished. But frankly, verses like these make me not want to take that chance. And why should you?
“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14-15)
Don’t allow the unforgiveness of others prevent you from entering in to the joy of your Lord. Ask God to help you to be merciful, and forgive others—early and often. So that your Father can happily forgive you, as well.
6)The Wages/Investment factors
“For the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which went out early in the morning to hire labourers into his vineyard. And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard.
And when they came that were hired about the eleventh hour, they received every man a penny. But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more; and they likewise received every man a penny.” (Matthew 20:1-2, 9-10)
This parable shows us that we who come to Christ for salvation are hired in the process, as well—with all working and receiving the same reward. Our worth is the same. In this respect, no one is higher or lower in the kingdom of Heaven than another. All will receive an equal reward.
“For the kingdom of heaven is as a man travelling into a far country, who called his own servants, and delivered unto them his goods. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey…
His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord.” (Matthew 25:14-15, 21)
This parable illustrates a different type of reward system. It seems to be independent of the general reward. We see the “talents” (an ancient measurement of silver) given in certain amounts, to each individual, according to their ability to manage them. Most were faithful to make good use of their talents, but one was not.
…And I was afraid, and went and hid thy talent in the earth: lo, there thou hast that is thine. His lord answered and said unto him, Thou wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
For unto every one that hath shall be given, and he shall have abundance: but from him that hath not shall be taken away even that which he hath. And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”
(Matthew 25:25-26, 29-30)
Though these two dynamic parables are not alike in their approach, they both illustrate, in different ways, the working relationship of the Master of the Kingdom with His servants.
You and I have a personal responsibility within the Kingdom. Each one of us will be rewarded or demoted by our response—our decision to be about the Master’s business, or to shrink back.
Remember your entrance fee? Christ Jesus invested everything for you. This should not make you feel guilty, but it should provoke you to love Him completely—not just with your words, but with your life. If you feel that you lack the wisdom, strength and courage—or even if you lack the desire to serve Him—simply ask. He will give it to you.
7) The Fruitfulness/Separation factors
“Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field. But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.
…Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
…He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;” (Matthew 13:24-25, 30, 37-38)
The parable of the good seed and the tares is startling. Jesus tells His disciples that the field is the world, so we can easily understand where the parable takes place. The “good seed” are the children of the Kingdom.
The word “tares,” in it’s Greek meaning, is a grain that produces a stalk, which looks just like wheat—for a while. But the seeds it produces are black, and poisonous to humans and most animals.
There are some folks mixed in with us, and they are poisonous. We need to know who they are.
“And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;” (1 Thessalonians 5:12)
Who are the tares, that were planted by the enemy, in our Kingdom wheat field? Unbelievers, who aren’t on a mission to compromise the gospel, couldn’t care less about Christians and what we are doing.
Then who is it in the field, closely resembling God’s people? It is those who pretend to be of Christ. They pretend to be one of us. They look like a Christian and sound like a Christian. They assertively profess that they are a Christian.
So how can we ever know who’s who, all mixed together in this field of faith and fakery? How do we identify the tares? Thankfully, God gives us a way:
“Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.
And they that are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.” (Galatians 5:19-23)
We identify them by their fruit. By their fruit we shall know them. Does this sound critical, as if we are spying on others? Some may argue that we shouldn’t judge others. But the scriptures are clear.
Your first indicator will be a “check” in your spirit—something will seem strange to you. Upon closer inspection, with an open Bible and a humble heart, you will find that their words, attitudes or behaviors do not line up with the standards of the Word of God. There will be a persistent, rebellious determination to keep their “flesh” just the way they want it.
Whether it’s one person, or an entire church, it is crucial that you stay away from them. They are not in the Kingdom.
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.” (Matthew 13:47-50)
We live in a time of unprecedented falsehood. People are deceiving themselves, and deceiving others, professing to know Christ.
But just like an enormous fishing net, that collects all kinds of things until it is full, one thing stands out: A great separation will come, when all men shall finally be known. Every heart shall be discovered. The true motivation of every life uncovered. No one is ever really hidden.
The parables of Jesus are sobering lessons, and for very good reasons. They speak of serious subjects that must not be overlooked or underestimated. Because they make each one us consider who we are, and where we are.
Remember, God’s eternal kingdom may not be seen with human eyes, but it is a very real place. You must know where you stand.
Use Christ’s parables like a mirror. Hold them up to your life in Him and see if you’re actually abiding in God’s eternal Kingdom—or just making a few “Jesus adjustments,” but still hanging on to your old way of living. That is known as a divided heart.
Sure, I get it. Sometimes we might wonder if we can ever measure up. But please don’t be discouraged. Be encouraged. The Kingdom of God has built in solutions for our survival. And they really work:
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” (Ephesians 6:10-13)
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“Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.” (Galatians 5:1)
By now, after reading all of this, I hope that you’ll know in your heart where you stand. And where you want to stand.
And if you stand with both feet firmly planted in the Kingdom, then you have everything you need.
Don’t give up! All you need to do is throw off that weight of everything holding you back, and look to Jesus—the Author and Finisher of your faith.
He loves you so much, that He gave everything for you. He placed your feet firmly in His Kingdom. So why would you ever want to reenter or even entertain your old way of life?
Live for your King. Long for Him. Love to be known and to be owned by Him. Put that awesome armor on. Be no more entangled with a yoke of bondage. Grow tall and take your place. It’s yours. Let nothing ever take it from you.
It’s really up to you. Just know where you stand.