Friday after Ascension - Devotion in Exile

Lection for Friday after Ascension
Numbers 11:24-29, 12:1-16      Luke 17:20-37

In the reading from Luke, we have a question posed to Jesus that seems to be something people of every age have wanted to give the answer, “When will the kingdom of God come?”

Today there are those who think that the global pandemic, killer hornets, the plague of locusts, floods, earthquakes, etc… are all signs that the end is right around the corner. And then there is the plea that comes with the doom and gloom designed to get you to panic, “have you made a decision for Jesus? Have you asked Jesus into your heart? He is reaching out to you, all you need to do is grab His hand?” As if that is something a dead man can do – one dead in trespasses and sin? Ever see a dead man make a decision? do any talking? or reach out with their hand?

We did not, indeed we cannot, seek out Jesus, Jesus came to seek and to save that which is lost. (Luke 19:10) A sheep lost in the wilderness does not seek out the shepherd, it is simply supper for whatever predator is there. Just as the lost coin, in the state of lost-ness is worth $0.00 to the owner. Unless the shepherd goes and fetches it, the sheep is lost. Unless the woman sweeps the house to find it, it is lost. (Luke 15:3-10)

But back to our dilemma, when will the kingdom of God come? There are a few points Jesus makes.

First, we will long for it, and it will not come in the time we desire.

Secondly, it will not be secretive, all will see it like lightning in the sky.

Also, it will come when no one expects it, many will be caught unprepared. As it is recorded by Matthew, Jesus said another time,  “But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, nor the Son, but the Father alone.” (Matt. 24:36)

We are to know that it will happen quickly, just like in Noah’s and Lot’s days.

Finally, it will be a day in which family members will be separated from one another for eternity.

As for those taken, this IS NOT Jesus teaching about a rapture! Noah and Lot were taken to safety while the rest were left to destruction – by the flood, or by fire and brimstone raining down from heaven.

This text is to give us hope, for at the end, His disciples ask, “Where?” 
“Where the body is, the vultures will gather,” Christ replies. This Word of Christ is fulfilled with Christ’s being nailed to the cross, and His enemies surround and mock Him. This is how it will remain in all time, where Christ’s body is – where His church is – there is the kingdom of God.

“When will the kingdom of God come?”  “Where?”

It is here! It is where His body, His Church, gathers together! Where the body is - there is Christ, the kingdom of God, present in their midst – He is the Word proclaimed – His very flesh and blood are upon the table that He sets in the midst of His Church. There is the kingdom of God!

Look for it every time you gather together in His Church. Expect it every time you gather together in His Church. For where Christ is, His kingdom is, just as He promised.

Let us pray:      Absolve, we beseech You, O Lord, Your people from their offenses, that from the bonds of our sins which by reason of our frailty we have brought upon us we may be delivered by Your bountiful goodness; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.  (Collect for the Last Sunday of the Church Year)