Let God's Kingdom Come
Today’s reading is a bit out of order, but worth the skip. The parable of the Great Banquet is a powerful reminder to us to be ready. God has sent the world an invitation to His kingdom, but many reject it. Those who decline God’s call all have reasons why they refuse this offer of grace. Like today’s parable, some are concerned with the obligations of life. They are focused on their careers, love life, struggles, and goals. Some reject their Savior because the world ridicules those who do. Christians are seen as old fashioned at best and often delusional and even bigoted. As the culture shifts, more and more tv shows and movies depict Christians as the enemy. Uber religious characters are often depicted as secret mass murderers or violent offenders. Satan doesn’t want anyone to accept God’s offer. He knows it brings freedom, and ultimately his defeat. Still, the invitation is ours to accept or reject.
As our world rejects God with greater boldness, many of us long for an earthly kingdom of God – a utopia of grace, peace, and faithfulness. We know that Christ’s kingdom will be established here as well as in eternity. Revelation 20 tells us that Jesus will rule earth for a thousand, Satan free, years (Revelation 20:1-6). After this, a new earth will be created. Revelation 21:3-4 says, “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
Eternity in a new Heaven and new Earth is our hope and our destiny. The promises of Revelation may be a bit confusing and even scary, but we have this hope awaiting us: Satan will be defeated! In fact, “The devil who had deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.” (Revelation 19:10) However, though his fate is sealed, his followers are deceived. They rage and shout their superiority while moving closer to their defeat. They reject God’s invitation to His banquet as if doing so were a badge of honor. As Philippians 3:19-21 tells us, “Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things. But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.”
God’s kingdom will prevail! Peace and righteousness will reign, and we will live in joy and peace for all eternity! Let the devil rage. Let his minions threaten. We know his influence has an expiration date. We know the pain and tears of this life will be wiped away by God’s own hand. No matter what the world claims, God’s kingdom is coming. Hold on. Look up and be ready.
(Written by Keegan Harkins.)
Comments