This week I bought $30 worth of toilet paper in order to qualify for a mail-in rebate. The rebate form told me to address my envelope to “Road to Glory.” Really? I hadn’t slain a dragon or won a championship. I had merely purchased TP. So I laughed at the ridiculous title as I wrote it on the envelope.
The world often exaggerates its achievements, and so do we. We use social media to post about our “amazing” weekend with our “awesome” kids, when all we did was pack a lunch and go to the beach. If we use our biggest superlatives on picnics, we’ll have nothing left to describe what’s truly spectacular.
It’s also important to remember our temptation toward inflation when speaking of the kingdom of God. Jesus said His kingdom is both already here—for “the Kingdom of God has arrived among you” (Matthew 12:28)—and also not yet. For He taught us to pray, “Father . . . may your Kingdom come soon” (Luke 11:2). We should celebrate the kingdom now, but not in a way that detracts from what’s yet to come.
It’s good for churches to plant community gardens, fight injustice, and help those in need, but we shouldn’t leave the impression that these efforts are the consummation of the kingdom. If we oversell what we’ve done, we’ll leave people feeling depressed. Is this all the kingdom amounts to? Is this as good as it gets?
Psalm 24:1-10 expresses our tension. Enjoy life now, as much as you can, for “the earth is the LORD’s, and everything in it. The world and all its people belong to him” (Psalm 24:1). But never stop longing for the return of the King. Our world will be infinitely better when He returns, so “open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter” (Psalm 24:9).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: Revelation 21:1-27
More:
Read Isaiah 60:1-22 to learn what life will be like when Jesus returns.
Next:
Where do you experience the kingdom of God today? How does this make you even more excited to anticipate the return of Jesus?
BearPair on December 30, 2014 at 1:19 am
Well said Mike…thanks!
Gary Shultz on December 30, 2014 at 7:11 am
it’s good to know there are other saveaholics out there. It sometimes seems like society is fueled by oneupsmanship. I agree that a quiet peaceful life may not be the most trendy; however, living in expectation of God’s Kingdom is much more filled with hope. May your New Year be filled with it. Thanks
p170 on December 30, 2014 at 10:13 am
He is with us at all times – Praise God for his continual comfort guidance mercy and grace, but the best is yet to come. Amen!
Mike Wittmer on December 30, 2014 at 2:46 pm
I may showing my age, but I’m thinking there’s a lot to be said for a normal life of following Jesus.
BearPair on December 31, 2014 at 1:23 am
Has nothing to do wt age, Mike! 🙂
mleue on December 31, 2014 at 12:42 am
Here comes the King of glory is also a beautiful hymn.
This is a lovely version:
http://youtu.be/MkcgzEiD0mI
Ruth O'reilly-smith on December 31, 2014 at 6:28 am
Love this Mike – you’ve made me laugh out loud. I take myself far too seriously sometimes and forget that my life is but a vanishing vapor. You’ve reminded me (along with comedian Ken Davis), to ‘lighten up and live’. Romans 12:3 has a warning for us; “Don’t think you are better than you really are. Be honest in your evaluation of yourselves, measuring yourselves by the faith God has given us.”
Mike Wittmer on January 1, 2015 at 11:49 am
I think we all tend to take ourselves too seriously. I suspect Jesus may have laughed more often than we think.
BearPair on January 2, 2015 at 12:31 am
I agree 110% Mike!
daisymarygoldr on January 1, 2015 at 12:15 pm
All those who belong to God’s Kingdom cannot relate to “Is this all the kingdom amounts to? Is this as good as it gets?” To us, there is nothing more awesome than to be rescued from the kingdom of darkness and transferred into the Kingdom of God’s dear Son.
For believers, the Kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). So, even through fiery trials, we are already enjoying the Kingdom of God— in the spiritual sense. And we are also looking for the day when Jesus will come back and literally establish His Kingdom here on earth.
People that plant trees, fight injustice… and the ones that feel depressed are not a case of inflation but of delusion. The King never told us to do these things as it does not characterize His kingdom. Jesus Himself did not “plant gardens…” and neither did His disciples. Our work is to simply proclaim the Good news of God’s Kingdom just like they did.
“I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up His Kingdom: Preach the word of God… Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching… Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you.” 2 Timothy 4: 1-5