Ready for the Kingdom

Scripture:  Luke 17:20-25

20 Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God was coming, he answered them, "The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed; 21 nor will they say, `Lo, here it is!' or `There!' for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you." 22 And he said to the disciples, "The days are coming when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of man, and you will not see  it. 23 And they will say to you, `Lo, there!' or `Lo, here!' Do not go, do not follow them. 24 For as the lightning flashes and lights up the sky from one side to the other, so will the Son of man be in his day. 25 But first he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation.

Reflection: The Pharisees constantly asked Jesus about the coming of God's Kingdom. They are doing this because they would not accept Jesus as the Messiah. The Lord's reply shocked them for He said that the Kingdom is already in their midst. Jesus the Son of God made man is Emmanuel, God with us. He is the surest sign that God's Kingdom has already arrived.

Jesus also speaks about the day of the Son of man, where the Messiah will come again as Judge of both the living and the dead. He uses lightning as an image of His second coming. For like lightning that flashes across the sky He will come without warning and all will recognize Him as Lord, even the unbelievers. Jesus first came as a humble servant, a willing victim who offered Himself for the redemption of mankind. In the second coming He will manifest Himself as Lord and Judge. Are we ready to offer up a life well lived when we face the Lord?

Now that Christmas is approaching, let us remind ourselves what it really means. It's not about preparing for the numerous parties and shopping sprees but preparing for the coming of the Messiah. Christmas is celebrated yearly to remind us of this great Truth, that God became man to make Himself closer to His people, to bring them healing, forgiveness, freedom and salvation. It is a fitting gift to our Savior that our hearts are well prepared for His coming.