Ancient kings would extend their kingdoms to far reaching cities; they would erect images of themselves in these places to declare that place was also the king’s domain. God created the first humans in His own image so that as they spread over the earth these image bearers would declare by their presence that, “This place belongs to God and we are His people.” The early disciples were sent into all the world to announce the arrival of the Kingdom of God in all of the places they went. They were to demonstrate by being like Christ, who is the perfect likeness of God, that everywhere they proclaimed the good news they extended His rule by bearing His likeness; they reclaimed the earth as His. The failure to live Christlike lives is a failure to our King and sets His kingdom back. So remember: To declare, “Jesus is Lord” is to announce the kingdom. To announce forgiveness, to show mercy, to promote justice, to live righteous lives is to announce the kingdom. To live like Jesus is to announce the kingdom. To pursue holiness as the divine likeness is to promote the kingdom.
“Go and and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’” (Luke 10:9).
