As I write this 23rd day of August, 2020, life is so different than it was eight months ago. The nation, the nation, not to mention the world, is gripped with the Covid-19 pandemic that has shut down businesses and churches and caused quarantining. It has many uncertain about its origin and severity. Many are not sure that they can trust what their officials have said about it. All of this added to an election year where it has become a cow that the political parties have been milking hard to their own advantage.
Added to that are unparalleled rioting and looting in the streets of several major cities, all in the name of racial equity. This was prompted by the murder of George Floyd on May 25, 2020. As of today, riots are still going on in some cities. Stores are looted, businesses destroyed, statues are torn down. There are cries to “defund the police.” Even suburbia, once considered safe, now has protestors making threats and causing fear.
Needless to say, these are depressing and fearful times for many people. Christians are not excepted. Many see the answer in the upcoming election. On the presidential level, the differences could not be sharper. This election may bring change, but not genuine hope the world needs.
Is there any hope for a better day coming? If you take the Bible seriously, there is great hope for today, and greater hope for tomorrow. Let’s talk about the future for a few moments. I understand that the next event on God’s prophetic calendar is the rapture of the church, a day when genuinely faithful Christians will be snatched away from the earth to begin their journey toward their eternal home (1 Thess 4:13-18). This event triggers a seven-year event on earth called the tribulation, a time of unparalleled trouble (Rev 4:19).
After this seven-year tribulation, Jesus Christ will come (Revelation 19:11-16) destroy the anti-Christ and begin his literal geo-political millennial reign on earth (Revelation 20:6). It will be as real as any nation or kingdom that has ever existed on earth.
That kingdom will have a king (Isaiah 32:1; 24:23). He will be visible (Isaiah 33:17) and he will be Jesus Christ (Luke 1:30-33).
What do we know about this king?
- He will be qualified to rule like no other, Isaiah 11:2. There will be no character defects or weakness in him at all.
- Under his reign, there will be justice, not politics as usual, Isaiah 11:3. There will be no pay-offs or looking the other way when justice is needed.
- Wickedness and sin will be quickly punished, Isaiah 11:3-4.
- He will reign in justice but not in harshness, Isaiah 42:3
- His kingdom will not fail, Isaiah 42:4. Even great leaders fail eventually. Not this one.
What will his kingdom be like?
- There will be a proper estimate on moral values, Isaiah 32:5. Right will be right and wrong will be wrong.
- Sickness and disease will be nearly abolished, Isaiah 33:24; 35:5,6; 29:18.
- Longevity of life will be the norm, Isaiah 65:20-22. Funeral homes will not be needed.
- Food production will be incredible, Isaiah 35: 1,2,7; Amos 9:13-15. Famine and poverty will not exist.
- There will be genetic changes in animals, Isaiah 11:6-9; 65:25. Animals will not be carnivorous.
- And best of all, it will be a time of unparalleled peace, Isaiah 9:6-7; 32:17-18; 2:4. The world will see peace like never before. The prince of peace is on the throne.
How can one enter this kingdom? Nicodemus was confronted with this question centuries ago, John 3:3, 5.
- One must be born again, John 3:1-17 gives a fuller explanation of this. If you have further questions about this email the author.
- After the new birth one must make this kingdom his first priority, Matthew 6:33. This will lead to rich rewards, 1 Tim 2:11-12; Revelation 20: 4-6.
Longing for these days and living in hope of these days makes present sufferings, hardships, sorrow and tears worthwhile and bearable, (2 Cor 4:17). Jesus the king will reign on earth. In times like these, we can have hope for today (Psalm 46) and bright hope for tomorrow. It is because of what Jesus has done for us on the cross, his promises for today, and his coming to set up his geo-political kingdom in the future. Jesus’ presence in his kingdom is the prayer (Matt 6:10) and the longing of all saints of the ages (Rev 6:10). Is it yours?
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