I once videotaped a basketball game and then watched it after I knew the final score. There was no mystery concerning the outcome; just how it turned out the way that it did.
Similarly, the outcome of our Christian lives has already been determined; the only real variable is what happens as we proceed toward the end result. We're on course for the kingdom of God.
During the dark days of Israel's exile in Babylon and their return to the ruins of their homeland, optimism was in short supply. The grand vision and plan of God for the Jewish people seemed like a distant memory. The harsh reality of their present circumstances eclipsed visions of future glory. But, God's "final destination" had not changed; the plan was still in effect.
"Sing for joy and be glad, O daughter of Zion; for behold I am coming and I will dwell in your midst," declares the LORD. Many nations will join themselves to the LORD in that day and will become My people Then I will dwell in your midst, and you will know that the LORD of hosts has sent Me to you. The LORD will possess Judah as His portion in the holy land, and will again choose Jerusalem." (Zechariah 2:10-12)
Nothing had changed the plan! God's promises were still as bright as when He first revealed them. The path toward the kingdom had taken some unpleasant turns, but the final destination was still the same. God would still come and dwell in the land of Israel and Jerusalem would yet be the capital city. Multitudes of nations and peoples would join the Lord in His coming kingdom.
You are I can make the choice to deliberately remove ourselves from the path to the kingdom of God, but aside from such a fateful decision, God's plan and final destination are still very much on track. The path to the kingdom may twist and turn in this age, but it is still the path to the kingdom. At the end of all things - after rulers, politicians, and military leaders have exerted their finite influence - God Himself will set up His rule upon a renewed earth in Israel and Jerusalem and we will know perfection, peace, and indescribable fulfillment.
The details of our kingdom journey are the adventure of this day and each day. The kingdom path may not be entirely clear to us, but its destination very definitely is. The repeated descriptions in the Bible of God's ultimate plan leave no doubt as to the final outcome.
Live confidently today as you keep the final destination in view. The kingdom is coming even as God is coming to live with us in an earthly paradise. Nothing can change that final outcome. Let's make it a priority to resolutely stay the course to the kingdom of God.
Steve
Similarly, the outcome of our Christian lives has already been determined; the only real variable is what happens as we proceed toward the end result. We're on course for the kingdom of God.
During the dark days of Israel's exile in Babylon and their return to the ruins of their homeland, optimism was in short supply. The grand vision and plan of God for the Jewish people seemed like a distant memory. The harsh reality of their present circumstances eclipsed visions of future glory. But, God's "final destination" had not changed; the plan was still in effect.
"Sing for joy and be glad, O daughter of Zion; for behold I am coming and I will dwell in your midst," declares the LORD. Many nations will join themselves to the LORD in that day and will become My people Then I will dwell in your midst, and you will know that the LORD of hosts has sent Me to you. The LORD will possess Judah as His portion in the holy land, and will again choose Jerusalem." (Zechariah 2:10-12)
Nothing had changed the plan! God's promises were still as bright as when He first revealed them. The path toward the kingdom had taken some unpleasant turns, but the final destination was still the same. God would still come and dwell in the land of Israel and Jerusalem would yet be the capital city. Multitudes of nations and peoples would join the Lord in His coming kingdom.
You are I can make the choice to deliberately remove ourselves from the path to the kingdom of God, but aside from such a fateful decision, God's plan and final destination are still very much on track. The path to the kingdom may twist and turn in this age, but it is still the path to the kingdom. At the end of all things - after rulers, politicians, and military leaders have exerted their finite influence - God Himself will set up His rule upon a renewed earth in Israel and Jerusalem and we will know perfection, peace, and indescribable fulfillment.
The details of our kingdom journey are the adventure of this day and each day. The kingdom path may not be entirely clear to us, but its destination very definitely is. The repeated descriptions in the Bible of God's ultimate plan leave no doubt as to the final outcome.
Live confidently today as you keep the final destination in view. The kingdom is coming even as God is coming to live with us in an earthly paradise. Nothing can change that final outcome. Let's make it a priority to resolutely stay the course to the kingdom of God.
Steve
posted by steve @ 10:40 AM
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