Thy Kingdom Come




Let your kingdom come.
    Let your will be done in earth
        as it is done in heaven.  Matthew 6:10 (GW)


I enjoy cloud gazing. The heavens declare His glory and I’m drawn to the sky. Our Heavenly Artist designs visions of color and clouds in magnificent ways. No wonder Scripture declares the return of the Son of Man in a cloud with power and glory. Even though surrounded by life’s grit and grim here on earth, are we mindful of the signs in the skies?    

Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.”  Luke 21:27-28 (NKJV)


Wait. What things? What is to happen before the Son of Man named Jesus appears? What signifies the end of life as we know it and the beginning of eternal salvation? 

The twenty-first chapter of Luke contains a rather extensive list of things to come before the fulfillment of time. Jesus sat in the temple with His followers warning of future happenings. He cautioned the listeners not to be misled by false saviors. Or run after those who say the time is near. He said not to be terrified when hearing of wars and disturbances. He gave them notice of nations rising up against each other and kingdoms in conflict. Earthquakes, plagues, and famines were to occur throughout the earth. Terrors and signs would appear in the heavens.

Not only did Jesus foretell these devastations to come, He warned of the destruction of the temple. The people had previously commented about its beauty which had led Him to explain its future ruination. When asked if signs would appear before this wreckage, Jesus told of all the things that would happen, beginning with the persecution of believers. 

He said, “Before all these things, they will lay their hands on you and will persecute you, delivering you to the synagogues and prisons, bringing you before kings and governors for My name’s sake. It will lead to an opportunity for your testimony.”  Luke 21:12-13 (NASB)

An opportunity for testimony in Jesus’ name? I wonder if Jesus’ listeners panicked as I would have done upon hearing all these predictions. Even reading the words now, my heart races with fear. Aren’t there more peaceful ways for me to share my love for you? I could witness to my neighbor or the homeless out on the street. I could speak to fellow church members and family members about You. Instead I find myself getting wrapped up in the rifts of life. Before I know it, my focus is me and not You. And quite possibly an opportunity has slipped away. 

It’s hard to stand firm on the Word of God when life seems to be falling apart. People rail against anything godly. Evil clashes with good causing violence. Protests occur because no one willingly listens to another point of view. And fear mounts as the world seems to spiral out of control. Yet there are those people, in the midst of walking through a valley of the shadow of death, who use these opportunities to testify about the love of God through Jesus Christ. Will I be one of them?

Each day supplies ample occasions for reactions to various actions. We can focus on all the evil in the world and be overwhelmed with anxiety. We can concentrate on personal shortcomings and be overcome with depression. Or we can choose to turn to Jesus and experience peace. Whatever we choose, that will be our testimony. Will it be for our sake or for the sake of the name of Jesus?

Jesus came to earth to reveal a glimpse of the kingdom of God. He preached the gospel of salvation by calling people to repent and be redeemed through Him. He said none of us could be saved through our own accomplishments but that all things are possible with God (Matthew 19:26, Mark 9:23, Mark 10:27). 

Will we allow the clouds of despair to overshadow His glory? Or will we endure through our day to day situations as living examples of the love of God in the name of Jesus? He tells us we need only to lift up our heads and look to Him for strength. He also tells us the clouds are the dust of His feet. He is near.

So when your circumstances appear discouraging, look to the sky and notice the signs. Turn your eyes upon Jesus and receive His power. Let His heavenly glory live in the earth of you for His name’s sake. Your testimony about His kingdom will bring honor to our Heavenly Father. 


He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;  Psalm 23:3-4