When we look around us at all the evil, the bitterness, anger, and hatred, we plead “thy kingdom come!” (Matthew 6:10). We look within our own hearts, longing to know the transformation is complete, loathing our own failures. So, how are we to live in joyful expectation of God’s Kingdom? Is it possible to know the righteousness, peace, and joy of God’s Kingdom here and now? For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost (Romans 14:17). However, we live in a world so filled with concerns, work, finances, relationships, and obligations. Furthermore, we live in an earthly body so filled with desires for pride, self-exaltation; wrought with frailties. Therefore, how can we live a life filled with joyful expectation of God’s Kingdom; while facing so many obstacles without and within?
Although, we may fully understand that Christ has won the victory once and for all against sin, death, and destruction. Yet, anyone who has lived the Christian life for any length of time knows all too well the moments of our own failure to love as we should, forgive others, or even trust God. Longing for that day, we cry out as Paul did. “Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now. And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body. (Romans 8: 21-23).
God’s Kingdom
When looking through scripture, we might wonder, “what is God’s Kingdom?” Is it the millennial reign of Christ yet to come? That day, Christ will reign over the entire earth with perfect peace. He will come to fulfill His promise to the Jewish nation as Jerusalem is restored and David will reign upon the throne. Satan will be chained throughout this period; yet, some born during that time will still choose to deny Christ as Savior and Lord. (Revelation 20:7-10). As foolish as was Adam, who failed to recognize Paradise; believing that joy could be found outside of his personal intimate walk with God. How foolish was he! And how foolish are we when we seek joy apart from Christ!
But the Kingdom of God, refers also to the eternal Kingdom of God in heaven. Christ died that we might be saved. He was resurrected the third day and sits at the right hand of the Father. In that act, He won the victory over sin and death. His Kingdom is at hand. All who believe in Him and accept His gift of Salvation, enjoy the fruits of the Holy Spirit, here and now. Furthermore, we wait in joyful expectation of God’s Kingdom. Because, we know His promises are true! The suffering of this earthly journey is but a moment of time compared to the Glorious Eternity we shall spend with Him.
But unto the Son he saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of thy kingdom. Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows (Hebrews 1:8). What the Father gave to the Son, He will return unto the Father—the Kingdom of God.
Joyful Expectation
We, who know Christ as Savior, Lord, and King need never worry or fear. Our lives should be always filled with joyful expectation of what is to come today and throughout every tomorrow. For we know His promises are true. We know His Kingdom will come on earth as it is in heaven. Yet, a little while and this life of trials and sorrows will pass into eternity in His Glorious Presence. Until then let us labor. All around us the fields are ripe for harvest. In joyful expectation, let us labor today that the harvest may be plentiful.
And as we have borne the image of the earthy, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.
For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:49-58.)
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; Because, He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
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Previous Posts Concerning the Lord’s Prayer
How to Really Honor God: Hallowed Be Thy Name
What is the Significance of Having a Heavenly Father?
Do You Really Know God as Father?
How Important is the Lord’s Prayer?
POEMS
Have You Ever Considered When Loss is Gain?
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2018
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Footnotes and Credits
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