PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Luke 1:26-33
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“His kingdom will never end. (Luke 1:33)
In the song ‘Imagine’ John Lennon describes an ideal ‘kingdom’.
A world where everyone is free, no one is oppressed by evil.
From the beginning, humanity has been trying to build this ‘paradise’.
Every person in their own way tries to make their world better.
But HOW they do this is the problem, and so far humans have failed.
For some reason we cannot break the cycle of selfishness and cruelty.
Gabriel says the promised messiah would restore David’s throne.
David was also a failed king, and Israel a failed kingdom.
But God used them to lay the foundation for his ideal kingdom.
Jesus refuses Satan’s ways, and establishes a kingdom of grace.
He doesn’t kill enemies or send subjects to die; he suffers and dies.
Jesus still rules by means of grace, and we follow in this grace.
A grace that blesses instead of cursing, that helps instead of hurting!
I want to serve in this kingdom of grace that will never end!
PRAYER
Lord, sometimes it feels like this messed up world will never end. But when I see your grace at work, I am encouraged. May your gracious kingdom come in me, may your gracious will be done through me!
“his kingdom will never end” As a created human bound now by time, these words are of great comfort to me. I do like living especially when I can enjoy good things – good food, cherished company, beautiful vistas as we travel, a good book or movie, driving a vehicle – especially a motorcycle. Yes, I enjoy those things but as I age they become a challenge. But knowing that Jesus is eternal and His kingdom is that – and that I have the privilege of being a part of that kingdom – I need not fear the limitations of age and health or that I have seen or experienced this or that. No better things are yet to come because of the eternal kingdom!
Thank You Lord for Your promise – ‘His Kingdom will never end.’
As we stand on the threshold of a new year, i need to take hold of that promise. I see the trouble and turmoil in the world around me, leaders and people insisting upon their own way, their self interests at any cost, the lack of love for one anothering, I stand amazed at your amazing love for love and grace will mark the way that only You are able to give. Thank You for Your promise that You are in control and that Your Kingdom will never end and one day it will a full reality, heaven upon earth. Yours is the Kingdom and power and glory today and always. Help me to live that every day.
This is my Father’s world:
O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the Ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world:
Why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King: let the heavens ring!
God reigns; let earth be glad!