Kingdom Within
The presence of Jesus within us is like a fragrance rising from within, filling our lives with peace and joy.
Devotional Credit: His Victorious Indwelling, compiled by Nick Harrison
Photo Credit: Unsplash
In Luke 17:20‑21 Jesus tells us the kingdom of God is not something we will observe with our eyes. It is not located in a specific place we can point to. Instead, He says, the kingdom is within us. Jeremy Taylor’s reflection on this truth invites us into a deeply personal experience of God’s presence. He describes the heart as the true temple where Jesus, our High Priest, receives our prayers and presents them to the Father. The Holy Spirit consecrates this inner temple, making it a dwelling place for the Trinity. In this inward sanctuary, God reigns by faith and fills our lives with His grace.
Taylor reminds us that the lives of believers are a shadow and yet a foretaste of heaven itself. Though we live in an age of “infancy,” our hearts hold the realities of eternity. The presence of Jesus within us is like heaven seen through a mirror: dim yet real, representing the beauties of the soul and the glory of God. Here God’s kingdom reigns; here grace subdues our enemies. Our hearts become a place where we serve God night and day, giving Him thanks and praise.
This perspective changes everything. It means heaven is not only a destination but a present reality in our union with Jesus. We do not need to search for external signs; instead, we learn to recognize the kingdom’s quiet yet powerful reign within. Our hearts are cabinets of the mysterious Trinity. This thought calls us to live with reverence for the One who dwells within us. It also invites us to rest in the sufficiency of His presence, knowing that true worship flows from within.
We can thank Nick Harrison for compiling this devotional and bringing us these words from Jeremy Taylor and J. G. Bellett. Their insights help us see that intimacy with Jesus is worth more than the world. Bellett’s simple statement, “It is worth a world to have an intimate eternity with Christ,” sums up the value of knowing Him deeply. May we respond to this invitation by cultivating our awareness of His presence and letting His kingdom rule our hearts.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
My beloved child, you do not need to seek My kingdom outside of yourself. The kingdom of God is within you. I have made your heart My dwelling place. You are My temple, and I dwell in you by My Spirit. Jesus, your High Priest, lives in you and intercedes for you. Do not look for outward signs or visible proofs. Instead, turn inward and recognize My presence.
In this secret place, I reign by faith. Do not fear that you are alone or lacking. All the fullness of Jesus dwells in you, and through Him, you have received the gift of My presence. I have consecrated your heart, making it holy ground. As you yield to Me, you will experience My peace and power. Your heart is a cabinet of the Trinity, a living testimony of My grace.
Do not despise this hidden work. Though it may seem small, it is the very reality of heaven within you. Fix your eyes on Jesus, and let your heart rejoice that He has taken up residence in you. Trust Me to rule in your heart, subdue your fears, and fill you with My love. Live each day in communion with Me, giving thanks and praise.
Scripture References: Luke 17:20-21; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 6:19; Ephesians 3:17-19; Colossians 1:27; John 14:23; John 17:23; Romans 8:9-11; 2 Corinthians 13:5; Ephesians 2:22; 1 Peter 2:5; Revelation 3:20; Galatians 2:20; Romans 6:4-11; John 15:4-5.
Real-Life Analogy
Imagine a diffuser filled with scented oil. At first, you see nothing and smell nothing. But once you turn it on, a gentle mist begins to rise, and soon the fragrance fills the room. The scent comes from within the diffuser, yet it transforms the entire space. In the same way, the presence of Jesus within your heart permeates your life. You may not see it with your eyes, but its effect is unmistakable as His peace, love, and joy spread through your words and actions.
When you face a day that feels heavy or empty, pause and remember that the kingdom of God is within you. Whisper in your heart, “Lord, I trust You to live Your life through me in this moment, filling me with Your presence like a fragrance.” Trust that His life within will change the atmosphere around you.
Prayer of Confidence
Lord, I thank You that Your kingdom is within me. You have made my heart Your temple and filled me with Your Spirit. I rejoice that Jesus, my High Priest, intercedes for me and that Your presence is my peace. I rest today in the reality that heaven is in my heart, and I live in communion with You. Thank You for the immeasurable privilege of Your indwelling life.