“Don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.” (Luke 12:32)
“Let us be grateful, for we are receiving an unshakable Kingdom.” (Heb. 12:28)
Lord Jesus, thank you x’s 10,000. For starters, you have cleansed, forgiven, and clothed in your righteousness—made us your bride and the objects of your affection. These grace-riches alone make us incalculably wealthy. But there’s more, much more.
We’re members of Abba’s family, sealed with the “Spirit of sonship,” and heirs of God’s Kingdom. Jesus, how do we “wrap” our hearts around all of this? We spend much energy being afraid of what’s going on in our world and country—worried about what’s to come, and for good reason. Yet in full view of evil’s worst, you say to your Bride in every place and every generation: “Do not be afraid little lambs. It has pleased, overjoyed, delighted our Father to give you the Kingdom.”
This isn’t hypothetical, exaggerated, or spiritual spin. It’s more real than anything else. We’re not “merely” citizens of heaven; Jesus, we’re co-heirs with you of the new heaven and new earth. We really don’t have to be afraid of dying or living. Fear, angst, unbelief, and anger don’t deserve as much of our head-space as we give them.
And thank you for telling us about our Father’s happiness and the joy he has in being generous with us. You know more about that than anyone, so we trust you. Keep freeing us from our unbelief/disbelief/semi-belief. We inwardly groan and eagerly await the fullness of the only “unshakable Kingdom.” Until that Day, show us what being “salt and light” actually means. So Very Amen.
