Romans 14:17

New International Version (NIV)

For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit,

For meditation

It is serious business, but it is also delightful. I am talking about life in the kingdom of God. It is a delight to walk with Jesus. He makes it adventurous and exciting. Disneyland doesn’t come close or any other in this world. Think about it.

 Before you are admitted into the kingdom, you are briefed about the miraculous birth of a man called John the Baptist. He comes to announce the coming kingdom of God and the need for repentance. You are then introduced to another man, whose birth is completely supernatural. His name is Jesus. A virgin conceived Him by the Holy Spirit. Wow! Isn’t that exciting? And the birth took place in a sheep pen in Bethlehem.

Later, this John the Baptist points Jesus to you: “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (Jn. 1:29). “You mean this man will take away my sins?” Out of curiosity, you run to Him. He takes you to a wedding party. Yes! There He performs His first miracle by turning water into wine; and He blows you away (Jn. 2:7-10). The crowd gathers, and He sits down to address them in what is called the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 5:1- 7:28). His words are piercing to the heart. No one ever spoke so convincingly and with authority. His subject is the kingdom of God and life in it.

Some bring their sick and He heals them. The blind, the lame, the deaf and dumb, even the leprous are healed. The Pharisees, teachers and leaders get jealous. They plot to kill Him, but the people want to install Him as king. He goes on to raise a dead girl and Lazarus! Who is this man? He claims boldly that He is the bread of life (Jn. 6:35), the light of the world (8:12) the door of the sheep pen (Jn. 10:7, 9), the good shepherd (10:11, 14), the Resurrection and Life (11:25), the way, the truth, and the life (14:6), and the true vine (15:1). Wait a minute. Are they not claims of God?

Yes, they are, and listen, He nails it here: “I and the Father are one” (10:30). Now the authorities are seriously angry and planning His execution, but you get more excited.  You are convinced about His Messianic claims, but things turn gloomy all of a sudden.

One of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, sells Him to the authorities for thirty pieces of silver. He betrays Jesus with a kiss in the Garden of Gethsemane. They arrest and try Him, but no charge sticks. Yet they force the Roman Governor to crucify Him. He is led and impaled on a wooden cross, and before your eyes; He dies. Why couldn’t He stop it all, if He is God? The Savior is dead. The dream is over.

But wait. didn’t He say He will rise on the third day? Is that not what the women are reporting now? The earthquake, the rock rolled away, and the empty tomb!

“He is not here. He has risen,” the angels said.

“Rabboni!” Mary exclaims (Jn. 20:16). “Peace be with you,” the Hero greets His disciples (19). Jesus is alive! Cleopas and his friend wonders, “Were not our hearts burning within us while He talked to us” (Lk. 24:32). Thomas finally surrenders, “My Lord and my God” (Jn. 20:28). That’s it! Jesus is indeed alive!

On the mount in Galilee, Jesus commissions His disciples to tell the world about the kingdom of God, bids them ‘so long,’ and ascends into heaven (Matt. 28: 19-20). But the story is not over. Isn’t it exciting?

Pentecost comes, and the Holy Spirit descends on the disciples (Acts 2:1-13). The sound is loud like that of a violent wind. It fills the room where they are gathered. What looks like tongues of fire settle on them and they start speaking in tongues. Wow! How is it that everybody hears them in their own language? Are they drunk?

Peter speaks, and three thousand are brought into the kingdom of God (41). The Church is established and expanding. But there is still opposition and a Pharisee named Saul is leading the charge. They seize Stephen, and stone him to death (7:60). The rest of the disciples are hiding. Is the church dead?

No! What is happening now? How come this same Saul is testifying about Jesus with such authority? You draw close and ask him. He tells you he saw Jesus in His glory on the Damascus road. “He is God indeed. I was wrong. I repented and now I have an unspeakable joy I never knew before. So, believe in Him, my friend, and be saved.”

That’s when you bowed your knees to Christ and received the right to sonship in God’s family (Jn. 1:12-13, Rm. 10:9-10; 13). But before you leave, Paul gives you some advice.

“I have given up everything for the sake of knowing Jesus better. He is my life now. But I can’t enjoy the power of His resurrection without the experience of His suffering (Phil. 3:4-11). So, my brother/sister, as you go out to live for Jesus, prepare your mind to suffer for His name. But remember that the kingdom you have inherited is not a matter of eating and drinking. It is of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. If you live that way, you’ll please God and receive human approval (Rm. 14:17-18). Therefore, live for Him in righteousness, with His peace, and abundant joy.

I don’t know about you, but if there is any other story as exciting as this one, I have not heard it and I am convinced there is none out there. That’s why I am so excited about Jesus, His kingdom and my citizenship in it. Above all, Christ has appointed me as His ambassador for reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:19-21). What privilege and honor!

So, come, my friend, and let’s share His righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Even though, things may get uncomfortable many times, the kingdom life is exciting, and assures you of life in heaven forever. I can’t wait to see all the saints of old, the angels, and above all, my Jesus face to face. O, Glory Hallelujah!

Will you come?

Shalom