Today’s selected reading continues in the New Testament gospel narrative of the life and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ as it was written and recorded by the beloved physician Luke. More specifically today’s passage is found in verses nine through forty-three of the eighteenth chapter. “And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised other: Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. I fast twice in the week, I give tithes of all that I possess. And the publican, standing afar off, would not lift up so much as his eyes unto heaven, but smote upon his breast, saying, God be merciful to me a sinner. I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted” (Luke 18:9-14). “And they brought unto him also infants, that he would touch them: but when his disciples saw it, they rebuked them. But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein” (Luke 18:15-17). “And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? And Jesus aid unto him, Why callest thou me good? None is good, save one, that is God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up. Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet laciest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. And they that heard it said, Who then can be saved? And he said, The things which are impossible with men are possible with God” (Luke 18:18-27). “Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee. And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God’s sake, who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting” (Luke 18:28-30). “Then he took unto him the twelve, and said unto them, Behold we go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning the Son of man shall be accomplished. For he shall be delivered unto the Gentiles, and shall be mocked, and spitefully entreated, and spitted on: and they shall scourge him, and put him to death: and the third day he shall rise again. And they understood none of these things: and this saying was hid from them, neither knew they the things which were spoken” (Luke 18:31-34). “And it came to pass, that as he was come nigh unto Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the way side begging: And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant. And they told him, that Jesus of Nazareth passeth bay. And he cried, saying, Jesus, thou Son of David, have mercy on me. And they which went before rebuked him, that he should hold his peace: but he cried so much the more, Thou Son of David, havre mercy on me. And Jesus stood, and commanded him to be brought unto him: and when he was come near, he asked him, saying, What wilt thou that I shall do unto thee? And immediately he received his sight, and followed him, glorifying God: and all the people, when they saw it, gave praise unto God” (Luke 18:35-43). When you come to the eighteenth chapter you will find it coming directly on the heels of incredibly powerful language that is found in the final verses of the seventeenth chapter. If you turn and direct your attention to the words which are found in the final verses of the seventeenth chapter you will find Jesus being demanded and entreated of the Pharisees concerning when the kingdom of God would come. In all reality this is something which the disciples and others alike questioned within their hearts and minds for Jesus spent a considerable amount of time teaching and speaking about the kingdom of heaven. As you read the four gospel narratives you will find the Lord Jesus Christ spending a great amount of time teaching concerning the kingdom of heaven. What’s more is that there were a number of times when Jesus would use parables to teach and speak of the kingdom of heaven and its presence and manifestation in the midst of the earth. The gospels are replete with example after example concerning the kingdom of heaven and its manifestation within the earth and there were countless times when the Lord Jesus Christ would indeed deliver incredibly powerful words concerning the kingdom of heaven and how it would indeed be manifested in the midst of the earth. Not only this but there were a number of times when the Lord Jesus Christ would teach and speak unto those who were present during that generation concerning what the kingdom of God would be like and would use parables to illustrate and demonstrate what the kingdom of heaven would indeed be like and how they could identify and recognize it. I sit here today thinking about and considering the words present within this passage of Scripture and I can’t help but think about how many times Jesus would teach and speak in parables concerning the kingdom of heaven and would do so asking the question of what He would liken the kingdom unto. If there is one thing I can’t help but think about when reading the words found within the four gospel narratives it’s how the Lord Jesus would indeed teach and speak using parables to describe what the kingdom of God was like and what it would be likened unto. Time and time again the Lord Jesus would use language concerning what the kingdom of God was like and what they would indeed liken it unto. We dare not and must not miss and lose sight of this for when we come to the seventeenth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the Lord Jesus Christ we find the Pharisees demanding of Jesus when the kingdom of God should come. Oh if there is one thing that makes this truly intriguing when you take the time to think about it’s when you consider the fact that in the Sermon on the Mount the Lord Jesus would emphatically declare unto His disciples and those who would gather themselves unto Him that unless and except their righteousness exceeded that of the scribes and the Pharisees they would in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven. What’s more is that if you turn and direct your attention to the words which are found in the twenty-third chapter of the same New Testament gospel you will find the Lord Jesus indicting and rebuking the Pharisees for their legalism and their hypocrisy. What’s more is that within this chapter you will find Jesus emphatically declaring unto His disciples and those who walked with and followed Him that the scribes and the Pharisees shut up the kingdom of heaven unto others and they themselves would not enter int. Having said this I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the words which are found in both the fifth and twenty-third chapters of this New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle Matthew for it does in fact present us with the incredibly powerful picture concerning the kingdom of heaven and those who would indeed miss out on it and lose access to it. What’s more is that if you read the four gospel narratives you will find Jesus emphatically declaring unto the scribes and the Pharisees that the prostitutes, the publicans and the sinners entered into the kingdom of heaven before and instead of them while they themselves would despise and reject it. Oh this is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for it serves as something which causes the question asked in the final verses of the seventeenth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by Luke to be completely and utterly astounding. Oh it is with this being said I invite you to consider if you will the following words which are present in the New Testament gospel narrative concerning that which the Lord Jesus would indeed teach and declare concerning the kingdom of heaven and specifically that which He would speak concerning the scribes and Pharisees: “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when. Men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you” (Matthew 5:10-12). “Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of the least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:17-20). “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen” (Matthew 6:9-13). “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your Heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do thy spin; and yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothed you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? OR, What shall we drink? Or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek) for your Heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof” (Matthew 6:24-34). “Then spake Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples, saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat: All therefore whatsoever they bid you observe, that o serve and do; but do not ye after their works; for they say, and do not. For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. But all their works they do for to be seen of men: They make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments, and love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, and greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi. But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted. But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye devour widows’ houses, and for a presence make long prayer: therefore ye shall receive the greater damnation. Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For ye compass sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, ye make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves” (Matthew 23:1-15). It is absolutely necessary we recognize and understand the words which are found within these passages of Scripture—particularly the language that surrounds Jesus’ words concerning the scribes and Pharisees. Within these passages of Scripture we encounter and are brought face to face with the awesome and incredible truth surrounding the kingdom of heaven and how the Lord Jesus would teach and speak unto His disciples declaring unto them that unless their righteousness exceeded that of the scribes and the Pharisees they would in no wise enter into the kingdom of heaven. What’s more is that the Lord Jesus would also pronounce woe upon the scribes and the Pharisees making it known that they not only refuse to enter into the kingdom of heaven themselves but they also shut the kingdom of heaven up to and against others. Jesus made it very clear concerning the scribes and the Pharisees how they would reject and despise the kingdom of heaven in that generation and how they would deliberately and intentionally choose not to enter therein. Not only this but when we read the words which are present in the four gospels we find the Lord Jesus speaking concerning the publicans, the prostitutes and those who would have been ostracized and marginalized during those days entered into the kingdom of heaven before and instead of them. This is actually something which warrants strong consideration for when the Lord taught His disciples to pray He would teach them to pray making the declaration “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done.” Moreover the Lord Jesus would also instruct His disciples to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all those things which they worried and were burdened and anxious about would be added unto them. With this being said I find it absolutely necessary to call and draw your attention to the words which are found in the opening chapter of the New Testament book of Acts for it is within this chapter we find the disciples asking Jesus concerning the manifestation of a different kingdom. After having spent three and a half years walking and following the Lord Jesus the disciples would ask Him whether or not He would at that time restore the kingdom unto Israel. Having been witnesses unto His crucifixion and resurrection the disciples would now ask the Lord Jesus if He would at that time restore the kingdom unto Israel. Oh this is something which is actually incredibly intriguing and astonishing when you take the time to think about it for it calls and draws our attention to differing kingdoms which were present during those days. Just prior to the ascension of the Lord Jesus after He had been raised from death to life the disciples would speak unto Him concerning the restoration of the kingdom unto the nation and people of Israel and I can’t help but read this question and how incredibly telling it is concerning their mindset during those days. There were those who thought and believed that Jesus was the Messiah and the Christ who would restore the kingdom unto the nation and people of Israel in the physical and natural sense. There were those during those days who were looking for a Messiah who would overthrow the tyranny of Rome and would reintroduce the autonomy of the nation and kingdom of Israel. There were indeed those who thought that Jesus had come to restore the kingdom of the nation of Israel—perhaps like what we witnessed and beheld during the glory days of David king of Israel and Solomon his son who would sit upon his throne and reign in his stead. As I sit here today thinking about and considering this incredible reality I can’t help but be reminded of the words which are found in the first and opening chapter of the New Testament book of Acts. It is when you turn your attention to the words which are present in the New Testament book of Acts you will find Luke writing of the days after the resurrection of the Lord Jesus—and not only writing of the days of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus but also the events that would happen at the mount called Olivet leading up to His ascension unto the right hand of the Father which was in heaven. Consider if you will the following words which are found in the first and opening chapter of the New Testament book of Acts beginning to read with and from the first verse: “The former treatise have I made, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, until the day in which he was taken up, after that he through the Holy Ghost had given commandments unto the apostles whom he had chosen: To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God: And, being assembled together with them, commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father, which saith he, ye have heard of me. For John truly baptized with water; but ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost not many days hence. When they therefore were come together, they asked of him, saying, Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel? And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and y e shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; which also said, ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven” (Acts 1:1-11). Please do not miss how absolutely incredible the words found in this passage of Scripture truly is for within it we find the disciples asking the Lord if He would at that time restore the kingdom unto Israel. What makes this particular question so incredibly captivating when you take the time to consider it is when you consider the fact that the Lord Jesus had not come to set up or establish an earthly kingdom. This was something that would be emphatically declared and spoken unto Pontius Pilate when He declared that His kingdom was not of this world for if it was indeed of this world His disciples and those who walked with and followed Him would rise up and fight and resist that they might deliver Him out of their hands. What’s more is that nowhere in any of the four gospel narratives will you find Jesus ever speaking of establishing and setting up an earthly kingdom within and upon the earth. There is absolutely no place within any of the gospel accounts where we find Jesus declaring that He would indeed set up and establish a kingdom within the earth. What’s more is nowhere in the four gospels will you find Jesus speaking of an earthly kingdom that would somehow take the place of the Roman Empire which was the dominant authority and world power during those days. It would be during those days in which the Roman Empire ruled and reigned over the earth and yet during those days Jesus would come teaching and speaking of a kingdom which was not of this world. Time and time again the Lord Jesus would indeed teach and speak unto those who were present in that generation concerning a kingdom that was not of this world but rather a kingdom that was of heaven and a kingdom that would be of and come from the living God. This kingdom would indeed be likened unto a grain of a mustard seed which was indeed the least of all the seeds, however, once it was planted it would grow and become the mightiest of herbs. Not only this but once it was planted it would grow into and produce a tree that would be mighty enough for the fowls of the air to come and find lodging. There is a great need for us to recognize and pay close attention to the words present in this passage of Scripture for within the thirteenth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle Matthew we find Jesus describing that which the kingdom of heaven was likened unto. What’s more is that it would also be in the twenty-fifth chapter of the same New Testament gospel we find the Lord Jesus teaching and speaking of the kingdom of heaven and what it would indeed be like. Consider if you will the following words which are found in both the thirteenth and twenty-fifth chapters of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle Matthew: “And he spake many things unto them in parables, saying, Behold, a sower went forth to sow; and when he sowed, some seeds fell by the way side, and the fowls came and devoured them up: some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth; and forthwith they sprung up, because they had no depress of earth: and when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no roar, they withered away. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: but other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some an hundredfold, some sixty fold, some thirty fold. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear” (Matthew 13:3-9). “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. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir didst not thou so we good seed in thy field? From whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An and my hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with therm. 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” (Matthew 13:24-30). “Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard see, 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 a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof” (Matthew 13:31-32). “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. All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 13:33-35). “Again the kingdom of heaven is like unto a 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 buyers that field” (Matthew 13:44). “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). “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). “Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord. Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old” (Matthew 13:51-52). Consider now if you will the following words which are found in the twenty-fifth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle Matthew beginning to read with and from the first verse: “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. While the bridegroom tarried, they all slumbered and slept. And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom cometh; go ye out to meet him. Then all those virgins arose, and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves. 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. Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh” (Matthew 25:1-13). “For the kingdom of heaven is as a man traveling 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. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two. But he that had received one went and dogged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money. After a long time the lord of those servants cometh, and reckoneth with them. And so he that had received five talents came and brought other five talents, saying, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me five talents: behold, I have gained beside them five talents more. 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. He also that had received two talents came and said, Lord, thou deliveredst unto me two talents: behold, I have gained two other talents beside them. His lord said unto him, Well done, 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. Then he which had received the one talent came and said, Lord, I knew thee that thou art an hard man, reaping where thou hast not sown, and gathering where thou hast not strawed: 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 knowest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed: Thou oughtest therefore to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received mine own with usury. Take therefore the talents from him, and give it unto him which hath ten talents. 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 25:14-30). How absolutely incredible are the words which are present within these passages of Scripture for they bring us face to face with distinct parables Jesus told concerning the kingdom of heaven to help illustrate and demonstrate that which it would and could be likened unto. What’s more is that when you consider the words which are found in these passages of Scripture you can and will encounter the wonderful and powerful reality that Jesus took the time to deliver unto the disciples and those who walked with and followed Him how to recognize the kingdom of heaven. If there is one thing we must needs recognize concerning the parables which Jesus spoke concerning the kingdom of heaven it’s that through these parables He was indeed giving them the means whereby they would recognize the kingdom of heaven—not only in their lives but also in the earth. It is absolutely impossible to read the words which are present within these passages of Scripture and not encounter and come to the place where we recognize and understand that the Lord Jesus did indeed and did in fact give His disciples and those who had ears to hear how they would and could recognize the kingdom of heaven. If there is one thing we must needs understand it’s that when you read the words found in these passages of Scripture it’s that the Lord Jesus did indeed and did in fact reveal unto those who had ears to hear the reality of the kingdom of heaven which would be manifested in the midst of the earth as well as within their lives. Oh there is something truly astounding and captivating when reading the words present in these passages of Scripture for they call and draw our attention to the tremendous truth surrounding the kingdom of heaven and its manifestation and demonstration in the midst of the earth. When you come to the seventeenth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the beloved physician Luke you will find the Pharisees demanding of Jesus when the kingdom of God should come. It would be in response to this question Jesus would declare unto them that the kingdom of God did not come with observation, nor would they say, “Lo, here!” Or “Lo, there!” What’s more is that if you continue reading the words present in this passage of Scripture you will find Jesus emphatically declaring unto those who were present on this particular day that the kingdom of God was within or among them. Oh how absolutely incredible it is to read the words found in this passage of Scripture and consider the fact that Jesus would indeed declare that the kingdom of heaven would not come with observation but was indeed present within and among them. Oh this reminds me of the words which the apostle Paul would write in the first epistle written unto the Corinthian saints concerning the kingdom of heaven and the demonstration and manifestation of it in the midst of the earth. What’s more is that I can’t help but think about the words which the apostle Paul would write when writing unto the Thessalonian saints in the first epistle which was written unto them. It would be within these passages of Scripture we find the apostle Paul emphatically declaring and speaking of the kingdom of heaven and that which it would indeed be like. Consider if you will the following words which are found in the first epistles which were written unto both the Corinthian and Thessalonian congregations concerning the demonstration and manifestation of the kingdom of heaven: “And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: that your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God” (1 Corinthians 2:1-5). “We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake” (1 Thessalonians 1:2-5). “I write not these things to shame you, but as my beloved sons I warn you. For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Wherefore I beseech you, be ye followers of me. For this cause have I sent unto you Timotheus, who is my beloved son, and faithful in the Lord, who shall bring you into remembrance of my ways which be in Christ, as I teach every where in every church. Now some are puffed up, as though I would not come to you. But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord will, and will know, not the speech of them which are puffed up, but the power. For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power. What will ye? Shall I come unto you with a rod, or in love, and in the spirit of meekness” (1 Corinthians 4:14-21). It is quite clear and quite obvious when reading these words that when we think and speak about the kingdom of heaven we must needs recognize that the kingdom of heaven does not come in word, or the wisdom of man, nor even with wise, clever and enticing speech. When we think and speak about the kingdom of heaven it is absolutely necessary we recognize and understand that the kingdom of heaven does indeed and does in fact come with demonstration and the manifestation of the Holy Spirit and with power. Oh what makes this all the more intriguing when you take the time to think about it is when you consider that both John the Baptist and the Lord Jesus would call men and women unto repentance declaring and proclaiming unto them that the kingdom of heaven had come unto and was manifested among them. The demonstration and manifestation of the kingdom of heaven during the days of the Lord Jesus would indeed be represented by the authority and dominion Jesus would exercise over death, over unclean spirits and devils, over blindness, over deafness, over all sickness and illness, over leprosy, over the palsy, and the like. Jesus would come teaching and preaching the kingdom of heaven but we must needs recognize that in addition to this the Lord Jesus would indeed demonstrate and manifest the kingdom of heaven with power, with authority and with dominion. What’s more is that when you read and consider the words which are found in the tenth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle Matthew as well as the ninth and tenth chapters of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the beloved physician Luke you will find Jesus sending forth the twelve apostles as vessels and conduits of the power and word of the kingdom of heaven. Moreover you will also find the Lord Jesus appointing and sending forth seventy others whom he would send forth as ambassadors of and for the kingdom of heaven in the midst of the land. Oh having said this I find it absolutely necessary to present you with the following words which are found in each of these passages of Scripture: “And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of sickness and all manner of disease. Now the names of the twelve apostles are these; The first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the sons of Zebedee, and John his brother; Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the publican; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; Simon the Canaanites, and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed him. These twelve Jesus ent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand. Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast our devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Provide neither gold, nor silver, nor brass in your purses, nor scrip for your journey, neither two coats, neither shoes, nor yet staves: for the workman is worthy of his meat. And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, inquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence. And when ye come into an house, salute it. And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you. And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of judgment, than for that city” (Matthew 10:1-15). “Then he called his twelve disciples together, and gave them power and authority over all devils, and to cure diseases. And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick. And he said unto them, take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip, neither bread, neither money; neither have two coats apiece. And whatsoever house ye enter into, there abide, and thence depart. And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a. Testimony against them. And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where” (Luke 9:1-6). “After these things the Lord appointed other seventy also, and sent them two and two before his face into every city and place, whither he himself would come. Therefore said he unto them, The harvest truly is great, but the laborers are few: pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he would send forth laborers into his harvest. Go your ways; behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves. Carry neither pause, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way. And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again. And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the laborer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house. And into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you: and heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you. But I say unto you, that it shall be more tolerable in that day for Sodom, than for that city” (Luke 10:1-12). It is absolutely incredible to read these passages for Jesus would not only appoint the twelve disciples as apostles whom He would give power and authority over unclean spirits, over death, over all manner of sickness and disease, but He would also give them power and authority to not only demonstrate the kingdom of heaven but also to declare the kingdom of heaven. What’s more is that when you come to the tenth chapter of the gospel narrative written by the beloved physician Luke you will find Jesus doing something similar with seventy others whom He would appoint and sent forth into every city and place whithersoever he would come. These seventy others would also be given power and authority to not only demonstrate the kingdom of heaven but also to declare the kingdom of heaven. What makes this all the more unique when you take the time to consider it is when you find Jesus declaring unto these seventy others that if they entered into any city and they receive them not they were not only to go their ways out into the streets of the same but they were also to shake the dust off their feet as a testimony and witness against them. Both the seventy others and the twelve apostles were to emphatically declare and proclaim the kingdom of heaven had come unto and among them and yet what we find here in the tenth chapter is that if those in the cities whithersoever they entered did not receive them they were to indeed shake the dust off their feet but also declare unto them that the kingdom of heaven is come, was come and had come nigh unto them. Not only this but the Lord Jesus also declared that it would be more tolerable for the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah than for those cities and towns into which He, his disciples and the seventy others had entered into for had the works and miracles which had been done in them been performed in Sodom and Gomorrah they would have repented with sackcloth and ashes. What makes all this even more astonishing when you think about and consider it is when you consider the words which Jesus would go on to declare unto His disciples and those who would hear the words which He would teach and speak. The Pharisees would demand of Jesus when the kingdom of God should come and He would answer them and declare that the kingdom of God comes not with observation for behold the kingdom of God was within and among them. Jesus would go on to declare unto them how the days would come when they would desire to see one to he days of the Son of man and would not see it. Jesus would continue by declaring how there would be those who would say and proclaim “Here,” or “See there” and how they were not to go after them nor follow them. As the lightning that lights out of the one part under heaven shines unto the other part under heaven so shall also the Son of man be in his day. These words would indeed be followed by Jesus once more declaring that the Son of man must needs suffer many things and be rejected of that generation as a sign, as a witness and testimony against them. Oh there is something truly intriguing when you consider the words which are found here in the seventeenth chapter of the gospel written by the beloved physician Luke for within this we find Jesus going on to speak concerning the last days. When the Pharisees demanded of Him when the kingdom of God would come Jesus would initially declare that the kingdom of God comes not with observation but was within and among them. With this in mind we must also recognize that Jesus would go on to describe the last days and the days when the kingdom of God would indeed be manifested in the midst of the earth as well as in the heavens. Jesus would declare unto those who heard His words how the Son of man must indeed suffer many things and be rejected of that generation and how that would indeed be a sign and portent of that which was to come in the last days when He would come with the glory of His Father and with all His holy angels. Oh consider if you will the following words which are found in the seventeenth chapter of this New Testament gospel beginning to read with and from the twentieth verse: “And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! Or, Lo there! For, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. And he said unto the disciples, The days will come, when ye shall desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and ye shall not see it. And they shall say to you, See here; or, see there: go not after them, nor follow them. For as the lightning, that lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, shineth unto the other part under heaven; so shall also the Son of man be in his day. But first must he suffer many things, and be rejected of this generation. And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man. They did eat, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, unto the day that Noe entered into the ark, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. Likewise also as it was in the days of Lot; they did eat, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they builder; but the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all. Even thus shall it bein the day when the Son of man is revealed. In that day, he which shall be upon the housetop and his stuff in the house, let him not come down to take it away: and he that is in the field, let him likewise not return back. Remember Lot’s wife. Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it; and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it. I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left. Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together” (Luke 17:20-37). There is a great need for us to recognize and pay attention to the words presented here in this passage of Scripture for within it we are brought face to face with the days of the Son of Man—days which He would liken unto the days of Noah and the days of Lot. If there is one thing we must needs recognize and understand concerning these words which are found in this passage of Scripture it is that when speaking of the Last Days the best way to truly discern then is to look through the lens of the days of Lot and the days of Noah. Here in this passage of Scripture the Lord Jesus described the days of Noah as being days when they ate, when they drank, and when they married wives and were given in marriage until the day when Noah and his family entered into the ark and were shut in but the LORD God Almighty. During the days of Noah it was business as usual and life would carry on exactly as it had done for countless generations up until that time. Men and women would watch and witness Noah building this massive ark in the middle of the plain and would hear his preaching of righteousness and yet they would be entirely unmoved by what they witnessed or heard. Similarly it would be during the days of Lot when men and women ate, drank, bought, sold, planted and build—that was until the day when Lot went out of Sodom. It’s actually something quite astounding to think about the words presented in this chapter for when we think about the days of Noah we must needs recognize that it was in the day when Noah entered into and was shut in that the rain descended, the floods came and the fountains of the deep were broken up. It was during the days in which Lot departed from Sodom and Gomorrah that the LORD would rain down fire and brimstone upon the cities of the plain and would sweep away the people in His wrath, judgment and destruction. Oh please don’t miss and lose sight of this for it would be during the days of the “going in” of Noah and the “going out” of Lot that the judgment and wrath of the living God would be manifested. I sit here today thinking about the words which we find in this passage of Scripture and there is something absolutely remarkable about the language Jesus used to describe these days. It would be during the days of Noah when we discover that it would not be until Noah and his family “went in” to the ark and after the Lord would “shut the door” that the flood waters would come, the fountains of the deep would be broken up and the rain would descend upon the earth. It would be during the days of Lot when the judgment and wrath of the living God would not come until Lot, his wife and his two daughters were taken by the hand and “led out” of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Oh when we think about the days of the Son of Man we must needs acknowledge them as days of judgment, wrath, destruction and the like but also so much more than this. Wen we think about the days of the Son of man we must needs recognize that these days are days that will be characterized by a “going in,” days characterized by a “shutting of the door” and days characterized by a going out. It would be during the days of the Son of man and His coming again when it will not only be about the people of God “going in” but it will also be about the days when the people of God will “come out” and “go forth.” Oh we must acknowledge and understand that within Scripture the call to come out and be separate is woven from the time of Lot and his daughters all the way until the time of the prophetic book of the Revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ we find this call to come out and be separate—and not only to come out and be separate but also to come out lest we be swept away in the judgment of the living God. We as the people of God have to recognize and understand this call and invitation to come out from among the people and nations and be separate for in the days of the coming of the Son of man there will indeed be a coming out and a going in and entering into. This is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for it calls and draws our attention to the incredible truth surrounding our being prepared and ready for the coming of the Son of man. The more I think about the words which are found in this passage of Scripture the more I am brought face to face with the incredible truth regarding the days of the coming of the Son of man and how there were those who were indeed prepared, warned and made ready for the wrath of God in the days of Lot and in the days of Noah. With this being said, however, it must needs be understood that all the inhabitants of the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were swept away and consumed in the judgment and wrath of the living God while only four individuals would be spared the judgment and wrath of God. Stop and consider how many people might have lived in these two cities of the plain and how of those countless people living in them the living God was willing to spare the cities on account of ten righteous present among them. Instead of sparing the cities His judgment and wrath on account of ten righteous the living God would destroy them sparing only four individuals. Even with this being said we must needs recognize and understand that although there would be four who would be spared the judgment and wrath of the cities of the plain it would be Lot’s wife who would turn back and would immediately be turned into a pillar of salt. During the days of Noah all the inhabitants of the earth, all the nephritis, and everything in which the breath of life was present within would be swept away and consumed in the judgment of the living God. All those during the days of Noah would be swept away and consumed in the judgment of the living God save eight souls—Noah, his wife, their three sons and each of their wives. Oh stop and consider that in both of the destruction and judgment narratives found in the Old Testament book of Genesis only twelve would be spared the judgment and wrath of the living God. In all reality we might very well say that it was only eleven who were spared the judgment and wrath of the living God for Lot’s wife would indeed be turned into a pillar of salt. I am sitting here today thinking about the words which are found in this passage of Scripture and I can’t help but be reminded of the words which the apostle Matthew wrote in the twenty-fourth chapter of his own gospel account of the life of Jesus. If you take the time to read the words presented within this chapter you will find the disciples asking Jesus when those events which he had spoken of would come to pass. The disciples would show Jesus all the great stones and structures of the Temple and surrounding the Temple and Jesus would respond to them by declaring that the days were coming when there would not be one stone sitting upon another. The disciples would hear these words spoken by the Lord Jesus and would ask Him when these events would come to pass. Upon hearing the question the disciples would ask Jesus would begin speaking unto them concerning the days of the coming of the Son of man. At this time Jesus had not yet suffered in the flesh, nor had He been crucified upon the cross, nor had He been buried in the tomb and raised from death to life on the third day. At the time these words were spoken Jesus was still present in the flesh and had not yet been glorified and ascended to the right hand of the Father who was in heaven. While Jesus was still present upon the earth together with His disciples He would deliver unto them powerful words concerning the days of His coming and return—days which would indeed be characterized by the days of Noah and the days of Lot. It would be the apostle Matthew who would also provide his readers and audience with similar words and language as that which was found in the New Testament gospel written by the beloved physician Luke. Consider if you will the following words which are found in the twenty-fourth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative written by the apostle Matthew beginning with the thirty-sixth verse: “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only. But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark, and knew not until the flood came and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be. Then shall two be in the field; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken, and the other left. Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come” (Matthew 24:36-42). “But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up. Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man cometh. Who then is a faithful and wise servant whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his lord when thou cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods. But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delayeth his coming; and shall begin to smite his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; the lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looked not for him, and in an hour that he is not aware of, and shall cut him asunder, and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 24:43-51). It is absolutely imperative we recognize the words and language found in this passage of Scripture for when we come to the eighteenth chapter of the New Testament gospel written by the beloved physician Luke we find at the very beginning two distinct parables Jesus taught. I am absolutely convinced we must needs pay attention to these parables for they help us to understand how we ought to live our lives in these last days—days in which we are waiting for the coming of the Son of man. It would be in the first eight verses of the eighteenth chapter we find Luke writing of Jesus speaking a parable unto them to this end that men ought always to pray and not to faint. Before we even consider these words it is absolutely necessary that we remember the words which James wrote in his own epistle for it was he who declared that the effectual and fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. What’s more is that it was the apostle Paul who not only instructed men everywhere to lift up holy hands without wrath and dissension but also urged men and women to pray without ceasing. Moreover it would be the apostle Paul who would write and admonish the saints to be anxious for nothing but in prayer and supplication for everything making their requests known unto God. It was the psalmist who instructed his readers to be still and know that the LORD is God and it was the apostle Peter who wrote of casting all our cares upon the Lord for He cares for us. In the eighteenth chapter of the gospel narrative written by Luke we find Jesus teaching a parable that men ought to always pray—and not simply pray but to pray and faint not. Remember in the fifth chapter of the epistle written by James he wrote of how Elijah would pray before the living God with his face in his palms seven times until a cloud the size of a man’s hand would rise from the sea on the horizon. The Lord Jesus didn’t merely instruct His disciples to pray but He instructed them to pray without fainting and without losing heart. Oh I am convinced this is the principle that surrounds the command to ask and the promise that it shall be given and received, the command to seek and one would find and the command to knock and the promise that the door would be opened. In the seventeenth chapter of the New Testament gospel narrative we find the apostles asking the Lord Jesus to increase their faith and in the eighth verse of the following chapter we find the Lord asking the question of whether or not when the Son of man comes would he find faith upon the earth. It was the author of the epistle written unto the Hebrews who would write that faith is substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things not seen. Moreover it would be the author of this epistle who would declare that without faith it is impossible to please the living God while the apostle Paul declared that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. It would be when the disciples came unto Jesus after they were unable to cast out the unclean spirit from the man’s son near the mount of transfiguration Jesus would declare unto them they could not do it because of their unbelief. It would also be the Lord Jesus who would declare unto His disciples that if they had faith the size of a mustard seed they would be able to speak to this sycamine tree and command it to be uprooted and plucked up and planted in the sea. Not only this but the Lord Jesus would also declare unto His disciples that if they had faith the size of a mustard seed they would be able to speak to this mountain and command it be removed from its place and cast into the sea. Perhaps the single greatest question we must needs ask ourselves when reading these words is what Jesus asked in the eighth verse of this chapter and whether or not He would find faith in the earth when he comes and returns. As I prepare to bring this writing to a close I find it necessary to call and draw your attention to the words which are found in verses nine through fourteen of this particular chapter. Within this particular passage of Scripture we find Jesus speaking a parable unto certain men which trusted in themselves that they were righteous. What’s more is that not only did Jesus deliver this parable unto those who trusted in themselves that they were righteous but also those who despised others. If you read the four gospel narratives carefully you will find the scribes, the Pharisees and the religious leaders of Jesus’ day were notorious for this as they would consistently and with regularity despise and ostracize those whom they perceived as being sinners in their own eyes. The scribes and Pharisees believed that those whom they thought and perceived as sinners were indeed sinners in the eyes of the living God and therefore condemned, judged, indicted and accused them. Remember the woman who was caught in the act of adultery and how it was religion and the religious leaders who sought to accuse this woman in the presence of the Lord Jesus. Notice that it was the Lord Jesus who not only delivered this woman from the stones that would have been cast at her but He would also deliver her from the accusations and condemnations of those who would judge her. Remember the account of Simon the Pharisee when the woman from the city whom Luke referred to as a sinner would anoint the feet of Jesus with the fragrant ointment and perfume and would wash His feet with her tears while drying them with the hairs of her head. Simon would speak unto himself and would ask if Jesus were truly a prophet He would know who and what manner of woman it was that touched Him and how she was a sinner. Oh this is something we dare not and must not miss and lose sight of for it calls and draws our attention to the parable which Jesus spoke on this particular occasion. The parable which the Lord Jesus would deliver on this particular occasion is one we must needs pay careful and close attention to for it calls and draws our focus to our own selves and whether or not we trust in our own righteousness and our own holiness or whether we trust in the righteousness that is found in the person of Jesus by faith in His death, burial and resurrection. It was this righteousness the apostle Paul wrote about in the third chapter of the epistle written unto the Philippian saints when he spoke of having a righteousness that was not his own but was the righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ. It was the apostle Paul who recognized the words which the psalmist David wrote when he declared that there was none righteous—no not one. It was the apostle Paul who had concluded that all had sinned and fallen short of the glory of God and that the wages of sin was death but the gift of God was eternal life. In this passage of Scripture we find the Lord Jesus speaking a parable unto those which trusted in themselves that they were righteous and despised others. In this parable we find a Pharisee who not only stood in the midst of the Temple and in the midst of all those who themselves had gathered to pray but dared boast of his own righteousness in the sight of others. In this parable this Pharisee not only trusted in his own righteousness but dared boast about it in the company and presence of others who were present there in the midst of the Temple. If there is one thing we must needs recognize when considering the days and generation in which we are living it’s the we must needs be those who live our lives completely free and absent from trusting in our own righteousness and those who wash our garments white in the blood of the Lamb. In the days in which we are living we must needs be those who place absolutely no trust in our own righteousness and place all our confidence and trust in the righteousness that comes by faith in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the shedding of His blood and sacrifice He made upon the cross.