What is the kingdom of God to you?

In Matthew 13 Jesus gives several example stories of what the Kingdom of God is like. Verses 44-46 say,

44"The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.

45"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

The reality of the kingdom of Good is often hidden from us. I know it has great value but I am just not exactly sure how to bring the Kingdom near. These verses talk of selling all I have to buy It. Am I willing to do that? What does that mean?

But it is also more than just an individual thing. It has to do with the whole of creation. Christ is sitting at the right hand of God waiting for his enemies to be made his footstool. (PS 110:1, Luke 20:43, Acts 2:35, Heb. 10:13) Matt. 11:12 says "the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it." That definitely speaks of more than just the individual submitting to the kingdom.

Back to Matthew 13. Jesus gives another picture of the kingdom right after the treasure in a field and the pearl of great value. Verses 47-50 say,

47"Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. 48When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. 49This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous 50and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

The picture given here is not a personal one but one of all humanity being separated between wicked and righteous. I have been meditating on the kingdom of God for a week or so. So many thoughts and not enough time to blog!!!