My Kingdom is not of this world."— Jesus (John 18:36) This is just a friendly reminder on the heels of this election. We are living through one of the most divisive political seasons in recent history. I wonder how our seniors view this time. The've witnessed everything: the industrial revolution, world wars, the civil rights movement, economic down and up turns, and changes in US structural policies and beliefs. Given the nearness of their transition to eternity, would they tell us like Solomon that, "everything is vanity?" I hear them singing, "Time is filled with swift transitions, none on earth unmoved can stand. Build your hopes on things eternal, hold to God's unchanging hand." Rather than be consumed down here...they increase their focus on the King and His KINGDOM - the realm in which a monarch sovereignly rules. The Greek word basileia especially refers to the rule of Christ in believers' hearts.
While men and women on earth are grasping for political, economic, and military power—Jesus wants to govern the most central inward part of us. Paul describes the Kingdom of God as: righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Romans 14:17) The disciples were initially looking for Jesus to set up a militant, partisan, force in which they would be key leaders, "Lord, at this time are you going to restore the kingdom to Israel?" (Acts 1:6) The Pharisees asked Jesus when His kingdom would come. He answered, "The kingdom of God does not come with observation, nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.” Isaiah prophesied of the coming Messiah that, "the government will be upon His shoulders," and, "of the increase of His government and Kingdom there shall be no end." Christ's government will be "established and sustained with justice and righteousness forevermore." (Isaiah 9:6-7) So while it may seem as if earthly powers are prevailing...Jesus said "the Kingdom of God is forcefully advancing." (Matthew 11:12)
So what do we do? Scripture tells us "in the last days perilous times will come..." (read 2 Tim 3) Christ told His disciples, "In this world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. (John 16:33) Gross darkness will encompass the earth and its people, but the Church is to arise with Christ's light! (Isaiah 60:2) Jesus taught us that if we want to be relieved of our worldly anxieties, we have to seek the Kingdom of God FIRST (His way of doing and being right—the character of God) and He will take care of the rest. Finally, we are not to worry about tomorrow, tomorrow has enough worries of its own. (Matthew 6:33-34) PEACE be with you. | 
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