3 Key Questions for Kingdom Living in a Crazy and Chaotic World

Who are you?

Aug 20

“In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.””

— Matthew 3:1-2 (NIV)

Storytime

Why is our reality the latest script to a Hollywood sci-fi movie? Or is it... Sometimes stuff feels really unmanageable these days, huh?

I read the news the other day and felt like I just read the script for the latest sci-fi movie.

A pandemic, political unrest, and a chaotic world.

Crazy that this is our reality, right?

How can we stay attuned to the realities of our day, care about the circumstances in front of us and still have our mindset focused on Kingdom living?

In a season filled with so many questions and weirdness, I just want to pause on this thought. You're doing a good job.

Like if I had a gold star, I'd be handing it to you while muttering "What the junk is going on anyway?!"

Gold star for you.
Gold star for me.

Maybe I'll even bring out the sticker chart so we can see how many gold stars we can earn in this pandemic.

Dropped the kids off at school and cried your face off in the process? Gold Star.

First date over zoom? Gold star.

*******

We're here. Together, six-feet apart through the power of technology. Some of us barely surviving, others thriving, but we're still showing up. Let’s celebrate how God is sustaining you to show up. Right now. In this moment of sci-fi reality.

How can you extend grace?

We've made it this far, navigating heavy questions like:

Should the kids go to school?
What mask should I wear?
What's dating in a pandemic look like anyways?
Should we go back to church in the building?
Are we excited about a vaccine for COVID?
Am I standing 6-feet away from this person right now?
I lost my job, what's next?
What's with the murder hornets?
Is this all a government hoax?
Was that alien spaceship real?
[fill in the blank]
Can I take a nap?
Yes and amen.

I'm sure we are all navigating different questions or getting different answers to the same questions. Welcome to my Facebook feed.

As I studied through Matthew 3 today I was reminded a powerful truth. The kingdom of heaven isn't just a realm or destination, it's a reign and reality. Because of Jesus, His Kingdom was a present reality during His earthly ministry... and when He ascended into Heaven, He promised to send us a helper, the Holy Spirit.

This gets the ultimate gold star.

I just want to remind you that God's Kingdom is here and found in Jesus. It's His power that overthrows sin, death and destruction. His Kingdom is a reminder of His reign, His sovereignty... a reminder that He's the way, the truth and the life.

In the questions, He brings answers. Resolve. And provides us with the grace to navigate and love others well. Extend grace. To yourself, and those around you.

So as you ponder all of the things our current circumstance bring up, don’t forget to pause and reflect on the greatest question in all is -

2. Do you know Him - Jesus?

If yes, God's reign is a reality in your current, everyday, question-asking, life.
If no, something else is reigning in your life. Are you able to turn from it, and turn to Jesus?

May this thought sustain and welcome you to seek more of Him as you navigate next steps and what-ifs. Repentance is a beautiful thing within that process. Perhaps the circumstance of the day has been screaming a lot louder than the love of Christ. Turn to Him, He offers guidance, wisdom, peace, mercy, and so much more.

In the United States, I feel like our government and mainstream news is currently playing that game - one truth and two lies... and I'm tired of playing.