2:45 p.m. Thursday November 24, 2022. 52F/11C.
Spring. The cabin spiders mistook a warm spell for spring. They awoke from their winter naps, pale and weak, and strode slowly across the wooden floor. They were executed within moments of being caught. The cabin door opens with a creaking sound. Two feral cats flee from the porch. The scent of mint is strong today. On the heels of a heavy rain, all the tall, woody, mountain mint fell over. With bruising, their fragrance fills the air. Feet sink into the mud. It will be a short walk. Many cold rains must fall before spring comes again.
The Gospel of Matthew, chapter three
Heavenly Father, we humbly beseech thee to reveal your meanings in your word, the Gospel of Matthew. In Yeshua’s name we ask. Amen.
In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
and saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Stop. Stop. Stop. What is the kingdom of heaven? Why did John say such a thing?
A kingdom is a rule. A rule is a place and leader and people. So a kingdom is all those things. God is king over all, heaven and earth. God is the kingdom and the kingdom is God. Yeshua came as God in the flesh. Yeshua is the kingdom and the kingdom is Yeshua. They are inseparable.
John was saying, “Pay attention. Get ready. Change your way of living. God is coming soon.”
Now, I was the first (or maybe not) to say, “But if God is king, then God has a lot of misbehaving demons in this part of the kingdom.” Yes, he does. Woe to the earth for they have come down to you. That does not change the kingdom or its presence on earth.
I feel the chaos of the constant weather modifying planes that work in the skies over the hollow. I feel the chaos of planting a garden and watching it produce sterile blooms. I see the animals with injuries that appear to be chemically induced. I cannot deny the presence of demonic activity on earth.
But I cannot deny the presence of Yeshua either. I cannot deny that I’ve seen food and water multiply through no effort of my own. I got lonely and cried out for at least a pet, and one that I love literally came to my door. I cried out for understanding, and a vision of Yeshua Jesus walked through my wall, sat down with me, and explained.
But just what is the kingdom of heaven?
It is the presence, the power, the glory, and the reality of God our Father in the person of Yeshua.
And it is available to everyone who is willing to repent and ask.
Enter My Peace 