I was on a hunt. A treasure hunt of the eternal kind.
In my studies Monday morning, (See October 1st post) a verse in another book of the Bible had led me to this haunting passage in John. Jesus stood before Pilate who seemingly held the power to condemn or release Him. When Pilate asked Him if He was a king. Jesus told Pilate that He was a king of a kingdom from another place.
“…You are a king, then!” said Pilate. Jesus answered, “You are right in saying that I am a king. In fact for this reason I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone on the side of truth listens to me. “What is truth?” Pilate asked. With this he went out again to the Jews and said, “I find no basis for a charge against Him (John 18:37-38).
But his findings didn’t persuade his decision….rather the people did.
Where do you and I find our truth? In a season of political campaigns and confusing world views, truth seems to be judged according to popularity. If it is popular, it is true. Right? If it doesn’t offend anyone, does that make it true?
No. We know better, yet many Americans follow. We vote according to the current wave.
I’m not into politics. I stay away from debate. But the older I get and the crazier the world becomes I’ve begun to feel a responsibility to Truth. Freedom. God. There were politics even in Jesus’ day. This is nothing new.
But Jesus spoke to Pilate of His kingdom that is in another place. My thoughts immediately think of eternity, but my study-Bible beckoned me to the next place on my treasure hunt–another linking verse. It’s so exciting. Read aloud with me:
Once having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The kingdom of God does not come with careful observation, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:20-21).
It is within us already! The kingdom is within you and me. Yet the kingdom is often hidden away behind murky clouds of doubt or despair. Just as my starry friends could not be seen behind Monday morning’s muddy clouds.
This morning the clouds were thinner and fewer, and only a handful of my twinkling friends shone in the dark despite their presence. Clouds aren’t always that bad. Sometimes they become the back drop for a heavenly glow as they did last night. A rainbow of color circled my moon.
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I was reminded that the kingdom of God is not only in me and you, but it is here for us who have eyes to see.
Fight the good fight of faith. Stand up for truth, and if you aren’t sure about what truth is, prayerfully go on a Scripture treasure hunt. He will lead you. The clouds cannot hide our light forever. They are constantly moving, but the Kingdom light in us penetrates the darkness and casts color, beauty that leads to hope.
Shine.
Much grace,
andy
…God, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings, and Lord of lords, who alone is immortal, and who lives in unapprochable light, whom no one has seen or can see. To Him be honor and might forever. Amen (1 Timothy 6:15).
(That light lives in us.)
