The kingdom of God – what are your thoughts on this? The Pharisees again are not focusing on the right thing. Many Jews of the time were waiting on a Messiah who they thought would be ultimate power and authority over the rulers of earth, rescuing them from their oppression. They could not see that Jesus was their Messiah. His rescue and reign were not at all as they had imagined.
God’s wisdom is so much greater than what we can imagine. When we realize and embrace that truth, there is so much freedom. When we stop trying to define God on terms of what we understand and realize his kingdom is so much grander than we can imagine, we can find peace. Yet, we are human and seek to control our environment. Some of us are just a little bit more “freakish” when it comes to control. I was recently reminded of this.
Yet we can wonder, dream, imagine and hope, can’t we? We look forward to things we can control, like taking vacations, getting an education, starting a new job. How much more we should be looking forward to the coming Kingdom.
Jesus’ arrival on earth in the incarnation dawned a new kingdom. Jesus even said, “the Kingdom of God is already among you.” Yet, the kingdom is not fully here. This reading suggests the kingdom will fully come when Jesus, the Son of Man as he refers to himself, returns in all his glory. Oh, what a day that will be!
And where will the kingdom come? The whole earth shall see and know. Jesus’ own words, “Just as the gathering of vultures shows there is a carcass nearby, so these signs indicate that the end is near.” Jesus had described signs to watch for. Quite frankly, these signs have been happening for years, even centuries. I don’t see things improving in the world around us, that’s for sure. The where and when should not be something we concern ourselves with. We simply need to expect and know it will happen.
Over the years, men have tried to use the Bible clues as an almanac to figure out when Jesus will return. We aren’t supposed to know. It will be business as usual up until that moment we are told. But business as usual, is that how we want to live our lives? Does going through the motions give you any sort of sense of joy? How can we tweek how we live our lives so we don’t get stuck in a rut? We should always be seeking Jesus and his will for our lives. The adventure of being a follower is certainly more than “business as usual.”
Wouldn’t you agree, if the timing of the coming kingdom is hidden in the heart of God, we should only be trying to get closer to God? We should be focused on realizing his great love for us. Period. That should be our “business as usual.” Right?
We certainly don’t want to be as unprepared for the second coming as those in Jerusalem and surrounding areas were for Jesus’ first coming. God reveals himself to us in his Word, through Jesus, in the creation around us, and in use of angels and messengers. We need to be watching and listening. Look for God. He is all around you. In Children’s Ministry, we used to call those “God sightings” when we saw God at work in our “business as usual.”
What does “going through the motions” look like for you? Are you waiting for some sign before you truly believe and devote yourself to God? Will you be ready if Jesus returns tomorrow?
Let’s pray. Father, again you have challenged me and reminded me who is in charge. Please forgive my doubting heart that holds on to worry and doubt far more that I should. You do work out everything for good for those who love you. I know that, so why do I question? Why do I try to solve everything? Help me to overcome this obsession and replace it with an obsession for you and your coming Kingdom. I want to be ready to see you face to face. I want to have lived a life pleasing to you so I can hear those words, “well done, faithful one.” Lord, bring those people into my path today who need a word from you. Use these reflections to jostle the hearts of those who read them. Thank you for your redeeming love and a fresh day to love and adore you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
