Kingdom Life
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has chosen gladly to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32 NAS
Human life is often an inescapable balance of trying to keep ourselves and those we love and are concerned about safe. From the most primitive tribes on the face of the earth to the most modern and affluent families, our desire is universally the same. For the peace and security of our family, our children, our elderly.
These burdens can be overwhelming, particularly in these times where nation rises against nation, and conflict with one’s fellow man seems unavoidable. If your circumstances are in the midst of a real life conflict and loss, there can be true fear, true anger, and panic. I have heard it preached that the opposite of love is not hate. It is fear.
God offers to all entrance to an incredible Kingdom where we can always and at all times find the grace and strength that we need to face the future. The courage to bring love, not fear into unspeakable situations. Jesus said: ‘Blessed are the poor in Spirit, for theirs is the Kingdom of God….”
This past month, we saw people who truly understood the Kingdom of Jesus. Even though they had every right to hate, to want revenge for the lives of their beloved pastors and family members who had been gunned down brutally in Emanuel Church in Charleston, South Carolina. But even while they were still rocked with grief, they were able to voice words of forgiveness to the killer. The world was shocked. I saw prominent newscasters’ eyes grow wet with tears. They were completely undone by the beauty of that forgiveness. The wonder of that grace.
These people knew what it was like to be Kingdom people. They knew and were secure that God would help them. They trusted that if they forgave, then God’s wonderful work could begin to bring healing to their torn lives.
To be a part of His Kingdom means that we are not constrained by fear, but rather by love. Lord. Help us to do what is right when the pressure is great. Help us to obey you when we are tempted to do otherwise. Help us, Lord, to know that our heavenly Father delights to give us the Kingdom.
~ Debbie Ecker
