May 12 - The Last Days

Read: Luke 17:20-37

For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of Man be in his day. (Luke 17:24 ESV)

Opinions on end times events are widely, and sometimes wildly, speculative. Many claim to hold the answers. Some of those making such claims may have answers. I don't. But Jesus had something to say about it too.

One thing I am pretty sure about concerning end times events is that Jesus will rule and reign an actual earthly kingdom. It will be time when the now spiritual kingdom of God will be made manifest as a literal earthly rule upon this world. Many varying beliefs exist concerning the events that will lead to this eventuality. Nearly all agree upon the notion of Jesus reigning and ruling a physical kingdom in conjunction with his spiritual kingdom.

For that to come it means that he will return in identifiable form. Whether it is in his physical presence, his heavenly being, or whatever we do not know. Perhaps he will reappear in a form we cannot really comprehend. But when he does return it will be evident. It will change things. He will light up the world with his sudden glorious appearance.

To experience the fullness of the kingdom of God, not just in spirit but in this world, would be a glorious thing. It will be a glorious thing. This is the hope that we have in Christ, not that we should be afraid of these future eventualities; but so that we might lovingly and longingly aspire to such a pristine moment in our future history—even while we go about this life in pursuit of him.

February 28 - Jesus’ Tours

Read: Matthew 11

When Jesus had finished instructing his twelve disciples, he went on from there to teach and preach in their cities. (Matthew 11:1 ESV)

Jesus went on several large tours of the region around Galilee. He preached and taught about the kingdom of God everywhere he went. Traveling, preaching, and teaching were the practical means by which he communicated the purpose of God.

Jesus recruited men from all over Galilee. Men of all different backgrounds, probably from cities and villages of all different backgrounds, and then he travelled to their various cities preaching the kingdom of God. In some way I believe he was strategically modeling for them how to reach their own people.

Several instant images that come to mind when I think of the word tour. There is the kind of tour you need a guide for. It means stepping into unfamiliar territory and having someone explain your surroundings. For some of the disciples that's exactly what Jesus did.

There is also the kind of tour where you travel a previously determined route. Musicians, authors, and many other creative outlets use is kind of tour in order to help maximize the amount of people connecting with their work. I believe that's why Jesus went on his various preaching tours. He was going to strategic places of maximum impact. He was influencing in a way that would forever change the course of history, and it did.

February 27 - Say and Bring

Read: Luke 8:1-3

Soon afterward he went on through cities and villages, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with him, (Luke 8:1 ESV)

Jesus preached a lot about the kingdom of God. He was always proclaiming his radically correct ideas through spoken words. But he also brought the good news with him. It was more than a simple theological proclamation. It was also a practical demonstration. Jesus talked about the kingdom of God, and then he showed people the kingdom of God.

I genuinely believe that we can show people the kingdom of God, but we need to bring it to them. All to often our mentality is to bring people to the kingdom, when in reality Jesus demonstrated a model that was all about taking the kingdom to the people. Truthfully many people won't come to your kingdom, but of you take them THE kingdom they will be more receptive.

It's not a guaranteed way to reach everyone. I'm not convinced anything like that actually exists. But it will be fruitful. Not everyone will see, comprehend, or embrace the kingdom of God through a saving knowledge of Jesus, but not taking it to them greatly lessens the potential that they will.

To be in the kingdom we have to bring the kingdom. To be in light we have to be sharers of light. The gospel is the best news. People need and want to know it. Take it to them.