By Guy Crockroft
We have all been shaken in 2020 — by the pandemic, the resulting financial issues and social changes, riots and destruction in the streets, the contentious election, fear about the future and uncertainty in general, just to name a few things.
There has been a whole lotta shakin’ going on in 2020, and many people are all shook up, but God offers us a kingdom that can never be shaken!
Hebrews 12:28 says “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. “
No matter how the election turns out, about half the country won’t be happy with the result; in time, the other half may find themselves strangely unfulfilled after all. For those unsatisfied with things in general, and who may be looking for peace and rest, Jesus has some encouraging words for you:
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)
Any president, or any of us, are merely imperfect stewards of any position we may temporarily hold. In contrast, Daniel 7:14 tells us about God’s unshakable, eternal, truly inclusive kingdom: “And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.”
No matter which way the political winds blow, God is still firmly in control.
Despite lofty campaign promises, no political candidate or party can create paradise on Earth. Yet, the prophet Isaiah speaks of a future government of peace and justice, ruled by the Messiah, Jesus. “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever.” (Isaiah 9:6-7)
Those wishing to be a part of this kingdom must come humbly, as a little child (Mark 10:15), and in faith (Hebrews 11:6). Romans 10:13 promises “Whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
While these verses are a tremendous encouragement to those of us who choose to follow Jesus, they do not mean that we should put our feet up on our blessed assurance and be so heavenly-minded that we are no earthly good! Instead, we are to “occupy until He returns”, i.e. keep serving others in love here on earth until Jesus returns, or we go to Him, whichever comes first.
The Apostle Paul said it this way, in Galatians 5:13-14” For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
For those hoping for the best, and looking to do the right thing, Jesus says “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” Matthew 5:6.
The prophet Micah adds ”He has shown you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8).
Despite whatever circumstances may come, the future is as bright as the promises of God.
• Guy Crockroft is the Executive Director of Love Inc, Juneau. “Living Growing” is a weekly column written by different authors and submitted by local clergy and spiritual leaders.
