Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews.
But my kingdom is not from the world."
John 18:36
Jesus said it twice, in one verse. "My kingdom is not of this world.” This teaches at least three lessons.
Jesus is a king. He is not only a king, He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords.
Jesus has a kingdom.
Jesus’ kingdom is not of this world, which means it is not merely an earthly kingdom. No matter how great earthly kingdoms are, or how long they last, Jesus’ kingdom cannot fail and it lasts forever. Why? Because as God, King Jesus is forever and so is His kingdom.
What about us? Most who read this are US citizens. That means we are citizens of two kingdoms: We are US citizens and simultaneously citizens of Christ’s kingdom. There is no contradiction in this. Just as most US citizens are also citizens of one of the fifty US states, simultaneously, Christian Americans have dual citizenship. And this is true for every Christian in every nation in the world.
What does that mean for Americans on the 4th of July, when we celebrate our nation’s traditional birthday? As long as the laws of the US and the laws of Christ’s kingdom do not conflict, we are to obey both. Of course, if and when the laws of any earthly kingdom are in opposition to the laws of the kingdom of God, we must obey God rather than man.
So, while much in America is in opposition to Christ’s kingdom; because not not everything is, and because the United States is still arguably the most desirable nation in which to live, as your conscience dictates, celebrate the 4th of July. Wave the flag. Eat a hot dog—or two. Thank God that you live in the United States of America. Pray for America that God may be pleased to grant our nation a much needed spiritual awakening.
And remembering that the US of A is not the kingdom of God, and that it is not forever—as a citizen of Christ’s kingdom, pray, “Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly!”