Tuesday, February 8, 2022

          If someone asked for your address, you could easily and by memory state it.  We know the street, the house number and the appearance of our home.  We know how to find it.  There is a sense of peace and contentment upon entering the home.  We are instantly at ease.  You could likely close your eyes now and envision your home and the places you love best about it.  We can relax from the day’s work, battles and burdens.  It may come as a comfort to know that not only do we have a home, we are also part of a kingdom.  Hebrews 11:10 says that “Abraham was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God.”  We have that same assurance.  We are part of an everlasting kingdom—made by God and maintained by God.  We are part of this kingdom not because we are good or have deserved a place.  We are in God’s Kingdom through our faith and trust in the cross, death and resurrection of Jesus.  Remember that Jesus told us in John 14:2 that He was going to prepare a place for us.
            We are part of this eternal Kingdom not because we are powerful or because we conquered this Kingdom in battle against an adversary we defeated.  We have entered the Kingdom of God by humility and not might.  We humble ourselves before the Lord and receive the gift of free grace by faith.  This Kingdom can never be seized or conquered but it can be received as a gift by faith. The doors are closed to all who seek to enter by prideful or selfish means.  We cannot impose ourselves upon it or gain entrance by force or violence.  Yet, the doors are gaping open for the meek and lowly who come by faith alone.  The doors swing open for those who come with open hands and an open heart. 
            We can be discouraged and fatigued by many things we encounter each day.  The world can be a cruel and haunting place.  God’s Kingdom is a place of respite and refuge.  We find our relief in Him.  We know by faith that one day we will rest forever in the place that God has made for us.  We will enter into His keep and care.  But until that day comes, we still find our solace and peace in knowing that His Kingdom is real and we are welcomed by His grace.
            The Lord of this Kingdom is our gracious and loving Father.  His yoke is easy and His burden is light.  The Lord says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).  He patiently listens to us as we pray.  He consoles us with His comfort and care.  He offers His Word as an unchanging testament to His character and promises.  He is the Maker of all that is good.  Jesus said that in the Father’s house there are many rooms—places that the hands that made the universe have made for those who know and love Him.  This Kingdom is real and everlasting and not subject to change and corrosion like the kingdoms of this world. 
            When Jesus was tempted, Satan offered Him the kingdoms of this world.  But our Lord knew there was a greater Kingdom that dwarfed the best of this created world.  Even now when we are tested, tempted and tormented by the kingdoms of this world, remember there is a greater one that exists.  And in that Kingdom, you find your hope and home.  Have a great Tuesday!