As It Should Be

A kingdom that shall never be destroyed. Daniel 2:44

D.L. MOODY
Napoleon tried to establish a kingdom by the force of arms. So did Alexander the Great and Caesar and other great warriors, but they utterly failed. Jesus founded His kingdom on love, and it is going to stand. When we join this realm of love, then all selfish and unworthy motives will disappear and our work will stand the fire when God shall put it to the test.

ERWIN LUTZER
Some dictators have made promises about their kingdoms; Hitler predicted his empire would last for a thousand years, but it lasted only twelve. Dictators have always promised more than they can deliver; some speak of a coming “utopia” (a word invented by Thomas More in 1516 when he wrote a book by that title). But the idea of a grand kingdom has captivated every generation. We long to be a citizen in a great kingdom. As Moody pointed out, there is an everlasting kingdom coming that cannot and will not be shaken. When Christ returns, He will gather His own and reign for a thousand years, and “shall judge between the nations, and shall decide disputes for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore” (Isaiah 2:4). After this comes the end when the Son delivers the kingdom to the Father so that God may be all in all (see 1 Corinthians 15:24–28). The earthy kingdom becomes the heavenly kingdom of which there shall be no end. And we shall reign with Him forever and ever.

PRAYER
Father, help me not to live for the kingdom of this world but for the kingdom to come.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS
What must you do to be in the kingdom of God?

How can you help bring about God’s kingdom now?