Even So, Come, Lord Jesus

As we walked, my friend and I talked.

We talked of things local, which lead to talk of things national, which lead to talk of things global. We spoke of different forces and different influences affecting our lives and how everything could be considered to be so complex.  Making matters worse, some of the same elements that cause so much grief externally can also be seen internally.  Radical, revolutionary forces upset with the status quo can also be found in the recesses of the mind.  Triggered by some sense of injustice and a desire to be in control to make things right to do something right.  Yet that same impulse unchecked merely replaces one form of tyranny with another.

It can seem as though the quest for righteousness and justice is never ending and no sooner are celebrating one victory, than we are bemoaning one defeat.  As much as we rejoice in the progress made in one area, we are having to combat a decline in one area.  It seems to be ever ongoing, there never seems to be any sign of true progress or hope.  We are ever grasping at consolations.

Yet, the mission of Christ and subsequently the mission of all who follow Him is not based on a futile gesture of talking about peace in a war torn world.  The mission ushers in the reality of God’s Kingdom.  A reality to be culminated in the return of the Son.  A reality experienced in and among the community of grace as we express His soon coming Kingdom in word and deed, proclaimed in power and demonstrated in meekness, humility, peace and longsuffering.

It is this hope we have in the Kingdom we’re proclaiming that allows us all the more to share the desire that ends the last book of the Bible.  We are not obliged to this earth in its current format.  We are strangers and pilgrims here.  This is not it.  What we long for is inextricably linked to Who we long for.

Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

For His Name’s Sake

Shalom

dmcd