"Who's Kingdom is it anyway".

[From 2010]

Romans 2:13 ESV

"For it in not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified".

Today I just finished powerwashing my deck. This is one of many tasks in the two week preparation for my sons 1st birthday party. As my wife is meticulously sorting and arranging items for tomorrow's garage sale, I began to think about all the work involved in getting ready for this event.

Were cleaning our home as if the president were coming to inspect it. Selling our unneeded possessions in order to fund this perfect atmosphere of fellowship and celebration. All this effort in which the guest of honor will doubtfully remember the days events and yet without hesitation we give ourselves to this ridiculous process for no other reason than that it makes us and our children happy; - for the day at least.

What if we took this same attitude and action toward Jesus Christ's imminent return? For hasn't christ called us to prepare for his return; not for a few weeks but daily, for our entire lives? Haven't we been called to shun materialism - even to the point of using our means of income to support His kingdom?

I think about the energy I give to so many temporal things, things with at best little eternal value, yet more often have no spiritual significance whatsoever. If I were to channel this same energy into diligently seeking the Lord and preparing my life for His return (and all that that entails) I wonder how much further along spiritually I would be. It's quite possible that the biggest hinderance to our spiritual maturity and growth is the fact that we are Not honestly living for God, but in reality were living only for our own selfish kingdoms.

This brings me to the confrontational question: "If a disciple is someone who lives for Christ in every possible way, can I truly call myself one?"

Luther.

"The Call".

Matthew 4:19(a)

And he said to them, "follow me.......".

In that moment we are faced with the decision, to go or to stay, to be about our business or the Lords. We are translated to a crossroads that will forever change our lives. A divine intersection. The choice to follow presents many questions;

• Do I have what it takes?
• Do I know the cost? 
• Will I be able to satisfy the one who calls?

Surely the disciples had these questions and more flash before them as would any man, and yet their response - "Immediately" (vs. 20). Leaving their nets, casting them into the sea of forgetfulness; leaving behind the comforts of security and provision. The known for the unknown.

And so, when HE calls us we stand upon the cliffs edge; looking to the depths below, that great unknown. In an instantaneous moment we are compelled to make our decision and forever be changed. unable to go back - if we fail to move forward we remain fixed, stagnated, until we choose the path set before us.

And so the question becomes; will you stay or go? will you follow the one that gave everything - the one who loves even unto death?

When HE calls, will you jump!

Luther.