"Jesus, grilled by the Pharisees on when the kingdom of God would come,
answered, 'The kingdom of God doesn't come by counting the days on the
calendar. Nor when someone says, 'Look here! Or, 'There it is! And why?
Because God's kingdom is already among you.'" Luke 17:20-21 (MSG)
In my teaching career, I remember one year having a very difficult
class of kids. They were always in trouble, but somehow I still enjoyed
them. Nonetheless, as the end of the year began to draw near, I couldn't
help counting the weeks before summer vacation. What a relief when
school was out!
Years later, I met one of the students from this
difficult class, and she shared with me the following: "You were my best
teacher ever! I have good news, I am not rebellious any longer. I gave
up my friends who were influencing me not to do my best at school. I am
now happy and I thank you for praying for me."
Counting days or
weeks didn't make a difference to these kids. Prayer did! By counting
days, we will never experience our Heavenly Father, for we are focusing
way too much on ourselves.
The Pharisees and Sadducees were prone
with this, but the truth is, "God's kingdom is already among us!"
Let me explain. When Jesus said this, He was already involved in our
world, preparing his mission to save humanity, so that they would have
the opportunity to experience Him. After His resurrection, weeks later,
God's Holy Spirit came into full force to those who believed, and He
still continues to do so: "When the Feast of Pentecost came, they were
all together in one place. Without warning there was a sound like a
strong wind, gale force-no one could tell where it came from. It filled
the whole building. Then, like a wildfire, the Holy Spirit spread
through their ranks, and they started speaking in a number of different
languages as the Spirit prompted them." Acts 2:1-4 (MSG) "The Spirit of
God whets our appetite by giving us a taste of what's ahead. He puts a
little of heaven in our hearts so that we'll never settle for less." 2
Corinthians 5:5 (MSG)
The Kingdom of God is already here, and we
have the occasion to work with Him, following His lead in all things.
Counting days is a waste of time. Loving others genuinely and
praying for them will make a huge difference. I now try to focus on
praying for those who err as well as anyone else.
Is there
someone you would like to pray for?
Rob Chaffart
The Opportunity! The Helpless Heroes and the Vindictive Prideful, Part 11
Today's Bible Verse:
"'The kingdom of God doesn't come by counting the days on the
calendar. Nor when someone says, 'Look here! Or, 'There it is! And why?
Because God's kingdom is already among you.'" Luke 17:20b-21 (MSG)
The Opportunity! The Helpless Heroes and the Vindictive Prideful, Part 11
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