Saturday, April 23, 2011
Luke 17:21 "The Kingdom Is Related to Repentance" (April 23)
Jesus addresses the question from the Pharisees about when the Kingdom of God would come: "The Kingdom of God is in the midst of you." ~ Luke 17:21. Well, it's not in the hearts of the Pharisees, so what does Christ mean here? Beasley writes: "The Presence of the Kingdom of God is related to one's ability to repent" (Beasley-Murray 1986: 102-3). That's what really matters. For there will be an Interruption one day, One Grand Day, when we are "eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building" just like Noah and Lot. For Noah it was a flood; for Lot it was a fire; for us it will be like the flash of lightning...and one day the Son of Man will be revealed and all will be judged. So, what am I doing to be ready for that day? It may catch you by surprise while you are on the roof or in the field. It will be swift---no time to grab your photos, your purse, your money, your memories. T he Pharisees and you and me just need to respond today to the King for "days are coming." (Is 39:6). Don't look back. "Expect suffering but persevere with patient faith. Redemption comes, and so does God's vindication." Whether two are asleep or two women are grinding at a mill, on That Day, one will be taken and another left. And the separation of humanity will begin: those who are FOR Him and those who are AGAINST Him. May we be found faithful on That Day, this day!
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What is most alive in you this Easter weekend? The Kingdom Program! The Kingdom is here because it is related to repentance and that's where you live.
ReplyDeleteRaise the Roof. Celebrate God this weekend and forever more! He is Risen! May the Suffering Servant Who bled for your sins be more than Enough over all your wrongs. No condemnation in Him! It is written: "The Kingdom of God is in the midst of you." Happy Easter to you and yours! I love you all so much!
My Gratitude for your friendship,
Bev
You are so faithful to read ahead and write and make sure it's posted. What a blessing to all of us who are reading along with you. Blessings on all of those who follow but don't ever comment. He's alive and we are forgiven and heaven's gates are open wide. As you say, we do have to make that turn and repent and bow the knee and submit to Him in order to know the joy of Resurrection Sunday. Blessings on you sweet friend....
ReplyDeleteOh Bev, you are so right! Celebrate our God this weekend! Christ is indeed risen and our condemnation has been taken away!
ReplyDeleteThis Easter weekend I am humbled by Jesus and how He is taking me through a time of quietness. Just Him and I walking and lingering over beautiful days and restful nights. There is a peace in my heart that proves His power. Only Jesus and His Spirit could offer me this peace in my storm. The Kingdom of God is within. Spirit dwelling. Peace. Love. Joy. Faith. Kindness. Self-Control. Goodness. Gentleness.