31 December 2010

Psalm 46, 48; Isa. 26:1-9; 2 Cor. 5:16-6:2; John 8:12-19

Longing for the kingdom of God should be our attitude always. We mostly long for the coming of God’s kingdom when our own lies in ruins. It has always been the case with humanity that so long as our world is stable and we have some hope of a better future we are content with this world. We need a bigger vision for our own lives and for the world to truly pray, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Here Isaiah speaks of that day when the kingdom will be established and holiness and righteousness will characterize humanity. How do we walk the line between being dissatisfied with this life because it isn’t what it ought to be and content in all things? By setting our sights on Him, trusting Him in all things and working to create some semblance of the kingdom in our lives and our spheres of influence.

Do we know where we come from, where we are going and how we are getting there? He knew us before He created us in our mother’s wombs. We have God as our Father if we are in Christ Jesus. All that came before we came to faith is significant but if we are born in the Spirit then we can say with Jesus that we know where we came from, we were born of God. The where we are going part sometimes is the struggle. Jesus knew He was going to the cross but that wasn’t the ultimate destination, the right hand of the Father was the compelling vision. Being able to say He had completed the work on earth that was given to Him and receiving the worship of heaven for that work was what compelled Him. Love of us was the motive for coming, pleasing the Father was the motive for perseverance. Is that our motive? Are we seeking what God seeks for our lives, no matter the cost?

We are ambassadors of Christ. How are we doing in the task of representing Him in the world around us? Too often the world sees the church and Christians as hypocrites and self-righteous people, something the Pharisees presented to the world in their day. To be the ambassador we have to understand always that what we do and say reflects upon Him. If we aren’t seeking after the kingdom of God then we will reveal Him as something other than who He truly is. The Jews were to show the world what it would look like to establish God’s kingdom on earth and we in the church have been given that same responsibility. We are to be characterized by love for one another and love for the world, a desire for reconciliation being foremost in our lives. Are we at enmity with one another? The solution isn’t to complain to others, it is to go and be reconciled. It is a start in the right direction.

Be still, and know that I am God.
I will be exalted among the nations,
I will be exalted in the earth!"
The LORD of hosts is with us;
the God of Jacob is our fortress.