It is not accepted by everyone. It is vigorously resisted in some areas. It is benignly neglected in other areas. Aggression and apathy form twin attacks in the effort to diminish the opportunity to embrace the rule of God.
These weapons are joined by efforts at misinformation, compromise and corruption. Efforts made as much from within as from without, At times it feels exhausting. At times it wears you down and then comes those questions: what’s the point in carrying on? Why bother when people are reacting and responding in all these ways? Maybe it would just be easier to ease off, ease back and ease into a more comfortable routine that doesn’t highlight the issues, doesn’t kick up a fuss, doesn’t point towards something better, something greater and something of eternal worth. Perhaps it’s enough to just have a mental assertion about those sentiments in your head, but otherwise don’t disturb other people about it.
This is clearly an effort in discouragement that would work if it wasn’t for the wonder of the Kingdom of God. Sometimes it’s worth seeing that Kingdom again and noting the clear contrasts with the alternative God’s offer of a Kingdom of light is far better than the alternative of darkness. God’s offer of a Kingdom of righteousness is far better than the alternative of chaos. God’s offer of a Kingdom of peace is far better than the alternative of an ongoing debilitating and destructive mess.
This is the offer God makes. This is the offer for which there are glimpses among those who have connected with this glorious god who expresses Himself in His Son Jesus and shows us who He is by His Spirit. You return to that thought and taking it seriously and appreciate that God reinvigorates you in this means. You dwell again on the wonders of His love, mercy and kindness that are key elements of His rule and recognise His refreshing work on the insight. Washing out the dust of tiredness and despair that is collected with each encounter. Clearing it all out and ushering in a renewed commitment to demonstrating and declaring who rules.
The discouragement is temporary, the reassurance and reaffirmation is permanent. Keep on keeping on celebrating the rule of the Saviour.
(Photo by Scott Evans on Unsplash)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 