Until the New Kingdom

“I tell you the truth, I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it anew in the kingdom of God.” Mark 14:25 (NIV)

Jesus was getting up from the last supper.  He was about to carry out His Father´s great plan of redemption.  He had already finished most of His ministry and teachings for us.  Now He is giving us almost a farewell.  He draws our attention to the future.  He wants us to know what to look forward to.  So He gives us another peek at a coming day when we will sit together with Him to celebrate in the New Kingdom of God.

Is it the healthiest thing to do to live in the past?  Have we known someone who just never let go of some time in their life which was important to them?  Is it sad to see this person fail to live for today because they are still trying desperately to hold on to the old glory days?  Or what about the person who is never happy about today because they pass their time dying for some future day?  Could it be just as sad to see people ignoring the blessings they have in life just because they are so wrapped up with something that they hope will happen at some later date?  Do we just want to shake them and show what the Lord is doing around them now?  Do we wish that they would learn to live NOT for a day that might never happen, but for what they are experiencing at the moment?

Jesus spoke often about the future Kingdom.  He wanted us to yearn for that coming day.  He encourages us to adjust our lives, our hearts and all our intentions so that we are sure to be included with Him in His future reign.  But is it possible to take it too far?  His glorious Kingdom should be a shining goal which we are set towards with our entire heart and soul.  It should color all that we see and do here on earth.  Yet could we make so much of Heaven that we fail to see where the Lord is working now?

Should everyone who runs a race know what the prize is?  Is it important to know what we are shooting for?  Is it essential to know that our eternal goal is infinitely well worth any price there is to attain it?  Has the Lord made us sufficiently aware of this?  Does this bring us to the present?  We know what the past can teach us.  We hear what the future can hold.  So will all the weight of eternity hinge on RIGHT NOW?

Should we shoot for tomorrow?  Certainly!  Should we remember the Past?  Absolutely!  But should all that we gleam from every angle serve to instruct us today?  Should we be smart and let the weight of all the information we have, work its intended healing for us?  Should we concentrate upon our souls today?  Should we have a good look at where we stand at the moment?  Should we approach our Guide?  Should we take our hearts to Him?  Will He, who was concerned enough about us to suffer and die for us, take our hands and lead us forward?  Will He take us in His arms and walk us through what we need to know about today?  Can we afford to push Him off for another day?  Would it be a crime to leave our relationship with Him buried in a past decision?  Where do we stand with Him now?

Dear Jesus, sometimes we get lost in all the instruction we have been given.  Please let us return to You today.  Let us seek Your council on the condition of our souls.  Let us know how close we are to the One who will be checking tickets on that future day.  Will you recognize us?  We long for that day, we would live now to assure we can be there with You.  So open our hearts to You and draw us close enough today to make our future safe with You we pray.

Amen