God is faithful

​April 5. 2020
Today’s devotion is based on Luke 17:20-21, “Now having been questioned by the Pharisees as to when the kingdom of God was coming, Jesus answered them saying, “The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed; nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or, ‘There it is!’ For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst.”

As we approach Holy Week, we have the beauty of reading the whole story. The first followers of Christ didn’t have that luxury. They could not understand how the Kingdom of God could be present in a relationship with Christ and be in the future as an eternal dwelling with God.  The opposing realities were impossible to them.

God seems to love the impossible.  God calls us to be proverbial trapeze artists. In faith, we are to let go of one ring and trust, and the next one will be within our reach.  God calls us to give until we are empty, trusting that God will refill our cup to overflowing.  God calls us to believe that the tomb will only be a temporary resting place for a Savior, which will rise again to offer all of us redemption.  God calls us to lean into God Almighty as we kick back on all our fears, worries, frustrations, failures, and doubts.  God calls us to remember if the stars are the limit; we need to keep flying.

There seems to be a blanket of fear and uncertainty around us and around the world.  May we boldly proclaim that the Kingdom of God is here in our midst.  That with glad expectancy is Easter will come again.  Let us join our voices with all the faithful to say the grave is an impossible dwelling for the Living Christ, and we get to share that truth every day.  Let us lean into Jesus and soar to touch the stars!

Please join me in praying the prayer for today:  Heavenly Father, we come before you today in gratefulness for all you have done for us.  In this time of turmoil, help us to be firm in our faith so that we will have the peace that is beyond all understanding that you have promised us.  Help us to share that peace with those around us who afraid and lonely.  In Jesus’ holy name, we pray. Amen