The Kingdom of God is at hand!

"I have given them the glory that you gave me, that they may be one as we are one: I in them and you in me."
~ John 17: 22, 23a


This morning I am up and preparing for a trip to go to the wedding of a cousin of mine. One of the amazing things about being one of the oldest of my generation has been watching my cousins grow up. I love that as tbey have grown, I have seen reminders of my grandparents emerge.

In many ways, when I have these gatherings I look around and I begin to realize what the Biblical "cloud of witnesses" actually looks like. When I spend time with family here on earth, I am rrminded that there is an amazing family gathered in eternity, and that what I am experiencing is just a glimpse of what the Kingdom of God will look like.

When Jesus' cousin, John the Baptist declares that the "Kingdom of God is at hand," we don't realize just how true that is!

I think the older I get, the more I bump into this kingdom!

There is so much that we do not recognize about God's Kingdom because our eyes are unable to focus. We see the things of this world, without any problem. Our visual society immediately recognizes emoji symbols, hash tags and red lights. Unrest and wars, as well as, the flicker of a candle, but yet there is so much more.

For us, the world still has so much that we do not see. Imagine our surprise when we note God's presence in that same world! Then you begin to welcome in the Kingdom of God!

When we usher in love, then the world changes. Usher in peace, then wow! There is peace. Respect, understanding, celebration, prayer and meditation. Kind words, helping others. We begin to realize the Kingdom of God among us!

Jesus reminds us that we are the living instruments of his presence in the world. He is within us, and because He is in God, then we literally are walking, living and breathing as vessels of that invitation to others to see a glimpse of God's Kingdom.

Be Christ for others. Let them see the Kingdom of God!

Stay in God's grip!

G. Todd Williams (c) 2017