Monday, June 20, 2016

Pastor's Ponderings, June 20, 2016

Let’s Seek God’s Kingdom

We are coming to a pivotal moment in the political history of America, the November 8, 2016 election.  Depending upon who shows up to vote, our country could go into starkly different directions.  We can pontificate, argue, worry, or fall into deep depression because of the ramifications of this important choice or we can choose to recognize that we are just pilgrims passing through and don’t have all of our skin in this game.

When Pilate asked Our Saviour, Jesus Christ, about His kingdom, Jesus replied that His kingdom was not of this world (John 18:33, 36).  God’s kingdom is not like worldly kingdoms, but is full of peace, joy, love, and a never-ending communion with God (Romans 14:17). Therefore, Jesus advises us to look for His kingdom because He wants to give us not only the keys to His kingdom, but the whole kingdom as well (Luke 12:31-32, Matthew 16:19).  

While the election, politics, and international governmental policy questions are interesting and can be absorbing, those who love the Lord have to remember that we are in this world, but not of this world (John 17:16).  In the meantime, we should pray for our leaders, be informed citizens, vote, and make our choices known.  But we can take comfort because we are looking forward to one day enjoying God’s kingdom where He reigns throughout eternity. 

John 18:33, 36
New International Version (NIV)
33 Pilate then went back inside the palace, summoned Jesus and asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”
36 Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”

Romans 14:17
New International Version (NIV)
17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit

Luke 12:31-32
New International Version (NIV)
31 But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.
32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.

Matthew 16:19
New International Version (NIV)
19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

John 17:16
New International Version (NIV)
16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.



1 comment:

Jacqueline R said...

Amen. We are not of this world but do have a responsibility to pray for are leaders now matter who they are. Our peace and security and prosperity are not dependent on any political party. Yeshua is Lord. He is my hope and provider.