Kingdom Work

Oh, the wonderful achievements of modern humankind. I often wonder what my grandpa would think if he could come back and see it all. We carry our phones-which are also our clocks, TVs, music box, Internet, camera-in our pockets. We have people living in space year-round and plans for more extensive space stations are in the works. We have conquered many of the dreaded diseases that plagued our ancestors. We build buildings hundreds of storeys high. We have robots which vacuum our floors and are getting close to artificial intelligence which displays emotions. Oh, the things we can do!

The disciples marvelled at the splendour of the Jerusalem Temple. And well they should. It was one of the marvels of ancient architecture. But Jesus had a sobering warning: it won’t last.

You see, we can do many wonderful things, but the most basic of all remains yet to be done: get along with each other. We stand on the brink of nuclear disaster. Schoolyard bullies still prowl. Gossip, hatred, prejudice, greed and their like still are rampant. And we won’t conquer these until God’s kingdom comes.

Wait! Jesus ushered in the kingdom. We are workers in and for it. Looks like we have work to do: love, forgive, do justice, give mercy?

Jesus, use us to further your kingdom. Amen. — DAB

Contributed by Kingdom Work

Oh, the wonderful achievements of modern humankind. I often wonder what my grandpa would think if he could come back and see it all. We carry our phones-which are also our clocks, TVs, music box, Internet, camera-in our pockets. We have people living in space year-round and plans for more extensive space stations are in the works. We have conquered many of the dreaded diseases that plagued our ancestors. We build buildings hundreds of storeys high. We have robots which vacuum our floors and are getting close to artificial intelligence which displays emotions. Oh, the things we can do! The disciples marvelled at the splendour of the Jerusalem Temple. And well they should. It was one of the marvels of ancient architecture. But Jesus had a sobering warning: it won't last. You see, we can do many wonderful things, but the most basic of all remains yet to be done: get along with each other. We stand on the brink of nuclear disaster. Schoolyard bullies still prowl. Gossip, hatred, prejudice, greed and their like still are rampant. And we won't conquer these until God's kingdom comes. Wait! Jesus ushered in the kingdom. We are workers in and for it. Looks like we have work to do: love, forgive, do justice, give mercy?
Eternity for Today