Message Minute (Kingdom Living in the Already and Not Yet)

Life as a follower of Jesus involves living in a unique tension. We experience both victory and struggle, joy and sorrow, healing and brokenness. Like John Newton, who wrote "Amazing Grace," we can say that while we're not what we ought to be, we're also not what we once were. This is because we live between two realities: the Kingdom that has already come through Christ's death and resurrection, and the Kingdom that is not yet fully realized. The good news is that we don't have to navigate this tension alone. Jesus has given us both hope for tomorrow and power for today. Our future hope isn't about floating on clouds playing harps – it's about a renewed creation where God will dwell with His people, wiping away every tear and making all things new. This hope isn't wishful thinking; it's grounded in the reality of Christ's resurrection. In the meantime, we can live with what the text calls "patient persistence." We should expect victory because our King is alive and advancing His mission. Yet we shouldn't be surprised by struggle, knowing that we serve a Messiah who brought the Kingdom through the cross. When difficulties come, we can lament honestly while holding onto the promise that one day, as J.R.R. Tolkien put it, "everything sad will come untrue."

Verse: "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." - John 16:33

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to embrace both patient endurance and persistent hope?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me to live faithfully in the tension of the already and not yet. Give me eyes to see Your Kingdom breaking through in my daily life, and strengthen me to persist in hope when facing struggles. May Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, in and through my life today. Amen.