Kingdom Power Now

Mark 9:1 And he said to them, “I tell you the truth, some who are standing here will not taste death before they see the kingdom of God come with power.” 
 
MANY have used Jesus’ prophecy to discredit him. They say Jesus said some of his disciples and others listening to  him that day would not die before he returned in glory. If that is what he said, he is a false prophet. Did Jesus really tell the truth?
     The truth is that Jesus was preparing his followers for the great change about to occur on earth. Jesus was in the final stage of his ministry; he was on his way to the cross. In those final weeks, he displayed his glory in several magnificent demonstrations of his holiness.
   That began as we’ll see in the next verses when Jesus presented his glory to Peter, James and John in the Transfiguration. John 11 then records Jesus raised Lazarus from the grave. Jesus then entered Jerusalem in triumph to fulfill the prophets’ words. Then we know he died and rose to life. The glory of his resurrection and ascension was evident to all disciples and many more. Then the Spirit came in power to begin the church (Acts 2). The apostles ministered the gospel in the kingdom’s power, and the Son of Man’s glory became known throughout the Roman world. Jews and Gentiles came to faith. They planted churches, and the kingdom grew in power overcoming great persecution.
   Then about 40 years after Jesus’ prophecy, the LORD uses Rome to destroy Jerusalem. This was the glory – the evident power – of God’s judgment on his people who had rejected his Son. We know the apostle John lived to see all of this. And there were certainly many more who witnessed the Son of Man’s glory revealed through 40 years of kingdom power moving through the nations.
   How wonderful it is to see the kingdom power has progressed throughout the world to this day. And God is still revealing his glory to his faithful and to new nations. Yes, the church has suffered setbacks and many difficulties caused by unfaithful leaders. But still God’s power works through the sins to establish his church’s purity. Jesus’ glory is continually evident through the redemption of lost souls and healing of broken lives. We can see that when we believe the Bible and experience its truth in our lives, life works. God’s Word transforms the human heart to know his love as the fruit of his Spirit fills us.
   As we await the Son of Man’s glory to come on the clouds, let’s be aware of his glory in our hearts, our home and his church. He promises you will see him when you look for him. Psalms 121:1 I lift up my eyes to the hills. Where does my help come from? 2 My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.