Kingdom in View

It is not the place that is the attraction.

That main attraction would be the one who rules. To behold His face, to be with Him forever. To celebrate and revel in His company. To enjoy His presence and know that all the time of promise is fulfilled with Him is a truly incredible appealing promise extended.

So it’s not the place – it’s about Him. When I think about a place of peace and joy or a place without pain or misery where death is barely a memory and even boredom is banished, that sounds great, but it is not possible without the presence of God Himself.

So the focus is on Him.

And as a result of that – the Kingdom is in view. Not just something to have consolation to look forward to after this life. It’s something that generates how life is lived now. Experiencing His presence in the here and now, with other saints whose lives have been changed because of engagement with Him, allows glimpses of the future to be seen in the present. That’s where there’s the Kingdom in view.

The way the saints experience restoration and reconciliation whilst serving the needs of others and sharing the good news of Jesus Christ hints at much that is to be enjoyed. That daily focus that generates the type of conversations and activities that takes place is done with the idea of keeping the Kingdom in view.

It’s important because sometimes without realising, other elements and features of life can grow to the point of taking the Kingdom out of view. Our own little kingdoms or the rule of others can overwhelm and become the norm. Thank God then for everything He offers to keep the Kingdom in view – and keep it the priority.

Sure, seasons change and our lives change and grow with it. Those changes need not be accidental. They can be the type of changes that are ever preparing us for what is in view.

It’s certainly my desire that in the coming changes in life that the Kingdom will ever be present for my family, my friends and I.

(Photo by Erik Mclean on Unsplash)

For His Name’s Sake

Shalom

C. L. J. Dryden