Living today under God’s reign.
by Ruhama Assefa
I was listening to the song “So Will I (100 Billion X)” on a car ride out of the city. I love those trips — the trees, mountains, birds flying by the window, and the breathtaking geography of our country. It was late afternoon, and the sunset made everything feel even more special. As the music played softly, my heart was captivated by the beauty all around me.
In that moment, I felt deeply grateful for all I have. I let go of every worry and simply enjoyed the view. I am a lover of nature more than most things, especially when I’m far from the city’s noise. How amazing is our God, who created all this vast beauty and yet remains intentional about every detail.
As the song continued, my thoughts drifted far beyond the car. I had an exam that morning, and this trip felt like a quiet reward from God — a reminder of His faithfulness.
Suddenly, the Holy Spirit brought to my mind a conversation I had five years ago with a woman after a church service. She was much older than I and deeply spiritual. She gave me a ride home that evening, close to sunset, with the wind gently moving the trees. She told me something that caught my heart: “Do you know that even the trees and creatures worship God? How much more should we worship Him in our daily lives?”
Her words stayed with me — the idea that worship isn’t just for church but a way of living, a path we walk every day. I looked again at the world outside my window and imagined how beautiful heaven must be if this earth already reflects even a fraction of God’s glory.
In that moment, the Holy Spirit quietly stirred my heart toward the coming kingdom — God’s reign not just in heaven but here and now, in our lives.
If creation itself worships God without fail, then surely we who bear His image are called to live out His kingdom here, following Jesus’ footsteps in every part of our lives.
Kingdom in action
Jesus’ entire ministry was centered on the good news of God’s kingdom. He used every opportunity — walking along dusty roads, teaching crowds on hillsides, or sharing meals with friends — to announce that the kingdom of God was near (Mark 1:15). He didn’t wait for the perfect place or the perfect audience; His message was urgent and for everyone.
First, Jesus preached and proclaimed the kingdom, calling people to repentance and faith. Then He taught what the kingdom looks like in practice, inviting people into a new way of living marked by love, justice, and mercy. Last, He demonstrated the kingdom’s power through healing the sick, restoring the broken, and casting out darkness (Luke 4:18, 19). His miracles were signs that God’s reign was breaking into the world.
Yet today, many believe that sharing this good news is the responsibility only of pastors, missionaries, or church leaders. The truth is, the mission Jesus gave — to make disciples of all nations — is for every follower of Christ (Matthew 28:19, 20). Each of us is called to continue the work He began, reflecting His love and truth in our everyday lives.
I’ve seen this firsthand through a team my friend is part of called Unity for Revival. Their vision and mission are inspiring: They reach students, youth, and young adults not only in the city but also in remote areas, driven by a desire to share God’s kingdom. What excites me most is their youth and zeal. These young believers are continuing Jesus’ work with passion and faithfulness, leaving a powerful legacy.
This ministry’s approach has deepened my understanding of what mission truly means. It is a decision fueled by spiritual hunger, a commitment to live and share the gospel message wherever God places us. Jesus didn’t command from a distance; He came down, lived among us, and embodied the mission of God’s kingdom. We are called to follow His footsteps in our own spheres of influence.
Reflecting the kingdom
If Jesus modeled kingdom living by preaching, teaching, and healing, what does that call us to in our daily lives? How do we reflect God’s reign not just in words but in actions?
For one thing, we must embrace His rule and reign in every part of our lives. The kingdom is not just a future hope but a present reality, where God’s authority guides our thoughts, actions, and decisions. Living in His kingdom calls us to seek His will first, putting His purposes above our own plans. It means walking in righteousness and justice, reflecting God’s heart in how we treat others. It means demonstrating love and mercy as Jesus did, showing grace even when it is difficult. Living under God’s kingdom also invites us to exercise faith and prayer, trusting God’s power to overcome life’s challenges. Ultimately, it calls us to be a light in the world, influencing others through humility and truth.
God’s kingdom is both spiritual and practical. When we surrender fully, we become His ambassadors, reflecting kingdom values in a world desperate for hope. Through living under God’s kingdom, we experience peace amid chaos, strength amid weakness, and victory amid battles because the King of Kings is our constant guide and refuge.
Lukewarm faith
The problem is, many of us fall into a lukewarm faith, going through rituals without true passion or commitment. The Bible warns us of this condition: “So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth” (Revelation 3:16).
This truth reminds me of a powerful scene from the movie War Room. Elizabeth Jordan, a realtor, is overwhelmed by frustration and personal struggles. She visits Miss Clara’s home to discuss selling her house. Miss Clara offers her coffee, but when Elizabeth finally tastes it, she realizes it is lukewarm.
Miss Clara gently explains that just like the coffee, many believers are neither hot nor cold — they are lukewarm in their faith. This moment becomes a spiritual awakening for Elizabeth. She begins to see that her struggles are part of a deeper spiritual battle that requires intentional prayer, surrender, and commitment to God’s kingdom.
Elizabeth’s transformation begins as she embraces prayer as her true “war room,” understanding that serving God’s kingdom without this foundation is difficult, if not impossible. Lukewarm faith must be challenged by the power of prayer and devotion.
Let us be like the wise virgins in Jesus’ parable, waiting expectantly and prepared for the Bridegroom’s arrival. Their readiness reflects the attitude God calls us to have as we live under His kingdom, continually vigilant and faithful (Matthew 25:1-13).
Expecting the kingdom
As we walk through life, embracing God’s kingdom and mission means living under His rule here and now, not just waiting for the future. It is following Jesus’ example by loving deeply, serving faithfully, and standing firm in truth, even when it’s difficult.
God’s kingdom is not far off; it is breaking in among us in our hearts, families, and communities. Each of us is invited to participate in this divine unfolding, living as ambassadors of hope and transformation in a world desperate for light.
So let us choose today to lead kingdom lives, rejecting lukewarm complacency and being like the wise virgins, ready and expectant with lamps burning bright.
The Lord Jesus taught us to pray, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). May this be our daily cry and our firm resolve — until the day He returns.
Maranatha. Come, Lord Jesus, come.
