How do you approach each day? Does your daily life include remembering that God’s kingdom is near? Do you spend a moment each morning thinking about God’s kingdom and how much he loves you? How much would your life change if you were to do that each morning?
I venture to say that many of us do not start our day by thinking God’s kingdom is near. Instead, we look for our first cup of coffee and begin thinking about what is on our agenda for the day. We are focused on the busyness of life rather than on God’s kingdom.
We often forget in our busyness that God is there with us. We forget that his kingdom is here now. Sure, we know that full consummation of God’s kingdom will come at some point in the future. After all, that is one of our focuses or reminders during the season of Advent. If we are focusing properly on Advent, we focus on being in the already but not yet. We remember that Jesus instituted God’s plan for his kingdom but know that it isn’t fully realized yet.
During this Advent season we point toward the celebration of Jesus’s birth. Yet, we also recognize we are waiting for His return. Again, the already but not yet. John the Baptist tells the crowd listening to him, and us, that God’s kingdom is near. It here among us. John was referring to the fact that Jesus, the Son of God, was physically in their midst. He was just starting His earthly ministry. We are reminded that Jesus stated He would never leave us.
Therefore, during this Advent season, let’s all remember that God’s kingdom is here. We are living in it, even if it has not come to its final conclusion. Remember that God is with us, he is in control, Jesus will return (physically), and we are not left alone. The more we remember these truths, the better our lives will be.
I pray we all wait with anticipation for Jesus’s return. I pray we remember that God’s kingdom is near. I pray each one of us starts our day thinking about God’s kingdom and Jesus being with us. Anticipate Jesus’s return. God’s kingdom is near. Start your day with God. Know that Jesus is always with you.
Matthew 3:1-2 In those days John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness of Judea, proclaiming, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”
Marty Pressey 