Focus with the Wrong Emphasis

The aspiring overcomers long for the manifestation of the Kingdom of GOD to come forth on earth.  Excitement swells when a prophetic word comes forth by a well-known prophet communicating the eminent return of CHRIST.  Even natural disasters tweak the interest of Christians wondering if these are the signs ushering in the Kingdom.  Televangelists pour over Scriptures in the Book of Revelations over and over promising the soon to come change.  Everyone focuses on the external at the expense of the internal.

In Mark 12, Jesus explains how to bring forth the Kingdom of GOD: 12:30 And you shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. 31 And the second [is] like, [namely] this , Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. There is none other commandment greater than these.  The scribe replies: 32 So the scribe said to Him, "Well said , Teacher. You have spoken the truth, for there is one God, and there is no other but He. 33 and ‘to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength,’ and ‘to love one’s neighbor as oneself,’ —this is much more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices."  34 Now when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." But after that no one dared question Him.

Love brings you into proximity of the Kingdom of GOD, not external events.  External prophecies are subject to revision based on changes of the heart.  When a heart change occurs, judgment is often withheld by grace and mercy.  In the Old Testament, the children of Israel would cry out and repent and Our Heavenly Father would deliver them from further judgment.  Love allows for grace and mercy to change or delay prophecies.  Yes, Our Heavenly Father is sovereign but our linear minds attempt to force HIM into a box of either or with sovereignty or free choice.  I would suggest both exist without conflict.  The Law allows for both and lawbreakers are thankful that judgment can be affected by the decision of the judge to evoke mercy when the Law demands judgment.  Paul received this very mercy after officiating over the stoning of Stephen.

In Luke 17, Jesus is asked: 20 Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; 21 nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.”

Do you want to usher in the Kingdom of GOD?  Then focus on the internal rather than the external.  As your heart changes, you draw near to the Kingdom of GOD and the external responds to your heart change.  The Kingdom is not some faraway place that is just out of reach.  It is within each of us and as we individually seek it with pure intent, we will experience the glorious results.  Quit worrying about the external and focus inward.  You’ll be glad you did.

Comments are closed.