What even is the 'Kingdom Of Heaven' ?

Have you ever gotten something completely wrong?

A couple of years ago, I played in a beginners' ice hockey league. One game, I broke through the defense and scored what I thought was an epic goal—only to realize I had just scored on our own goalie. I recognised his voice the moment the puck hit the net.

Another time, I tried to help by filling up the youth van with diesel. It was a petrol van. Not helpful.

Then there was the time Ariel and I showed up at the domestic terminal for an international flight. When our names were called over the speakers, we had to sprint to the right terminal.

Mistakes like these are funny in hindsight. But sometimes, like the people in Jesus' time, we get the big stuff wrong too.

In this series, we’re talking about the Kingdom of Heaven. It was a central theme in Jesus’ teaching, but his followers often misunderstood it. They expected a political savior—a king who would free them from Roman rule and restore Israel’s greatness. But God had a far greater plan.

They were focused on their own nation, their own generation, their own struggles. But Jesus came for all people, in all places, for all time.

Like them, we often shrink God's plans down to our own needs.

God, make me successful.

Make me feel better.

Fix my problems.

But God is working with eternity in mind. We are part of an unfolding, eternal story.

Jesus didn’t come just to solve political problems. He came to establish a kingdom that transforms hearts and lives.

Jesus came to bring salvation to every person, everywhere.

Luke 17 says the kingdom isn’t something to observe outwardly. It’s not a place you can point to. Jesus said, "the kingdom of God is within you."

The kingdom begins in the heart. It starts when God’s Spirit transforms us.

Romans 14:17 tells us; "the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit."

The kingdom of Jesus is about relationship with God—about living aligned with his heart, his values, his justice.

Righteousness

In Hebrew, the word for righteousness and justice is the same root word: tzedek. It’s not just about obeying rules, but about living with compassion, integrity, and care for the vulnerable.

Jesus emphasized this when he said, "Whatever you did for the least of these, you did for me."

When our hearts are aligned with God, righteousness flows into our communities. Justice becomes visible. People are cared for. Needs are met. Society begins to reflect God’s character.

Jesus modeled and taught this kingdom culture: love your neighbor, love your enemies, walk the extra mile, give your coat. This is righteousness and justice in action.

Martin Luther King Jr. quoted Amos: "Let justice roll on like a river, and righteousness like a never-failing stream."

Faith without action is empty. Real justice in the world begins with transformed hearts.

James 5 reminds us that the prayers of the righteous are powerful and effective. Righteousness isn’t just for our benefit—it enables us to bring healing to others.

God is calling us to live with righteousness reigning in us, so it can flow through us. When righteousness reigns, peace follows.

Peace

Peace was broken through sin, but Jesus restored peace through the cross. When we are at peace with God, we experience deep inner healing—and we become peacemakers in the world.

Jesus said, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God."

When we carry peace, we reflect the reign of God.

Joy

Righteousness leads to peace, and peace leads to joy. After WWII, when peace was declared, joy erupted. Joy always follows peace.

Psalm 126 describes this joy: "when God restores his people, their mouths are filled with laughter and singing". Joy is a natural response to restoration.

The kingdom of heaven is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. It starts in our hearts. It spreads through our lives. It transforms our communities.

If your heart feels far from God today, there is an invitation:

Let Jesus be your king.

Let righteousness re-establish your life.

Let peace restore you.

Let joy burst forth.

The kingdom is here. Don’t miss it!

Ps Jacob Stanley