Digging Deep

I have been pondering all week a quote out of a recent book by Nicholas Perrin that I read, Lost in Translation. The book is actually about how we can trust the reliability of the Bible to give us the words of Jesus, but another minor thought Perrin mentioned in the book stuck out to me. He mentioned that when someone becomes a Christian, they do not start living in a kingdom, but they actually switch from one kingdom to another kingdom, a new kingdom, a superior kingdom—God’s kingdom.

I often forget there are two kingdoms in this world. I usually think about “living for the kingdom” and having a “kingdom mindset” as if there is only one kingdom: God’s. And certainly the Bible speaks of the kingdom of God more than the other kingdom. But there are in fact two kingdoms.

I have been thinking about what this means in my life, but especially what this means to those around me who have not yet come to live in my Father’s kingdom. And I wonder: how does this perspective affect the way I view this world and respond to it? How does it affect the way I introduce others to my King?

For example, why am I so aggravated when I turn on the news and see someone speaking of abortion as an “okay” choice? Why am I shocked when the people I love who are absorbed in that kingdom are making choices that will ultimately destroy themselves? Why am I stunned when I hear about the overwhelming amount of violence and murder in the world? I should not be surprised by any of this: for this is life in the kingdom of Darkness. Everyone who lives in this kingdom is certainly not always involved in such dark acts for there is some goodness there, shining forth in the image of God in every one of his beloved creations. However, the darkness rules. Lies about love, life, and truth reign in that kingdom. And if you’re in that kingdom, you’re influenced, shaken, and endangered by its passions and values.

I am also reminded that when I am inviting others into the Christian life, I am not inviting them to live in a kingdom, but to live in a NEW kingdom, a kingdom of meaning and purpose and one that is radically better than the kingdom they are now a part of. They are already living in a kingdom. They are already being ruled by a monarch. They are already following a set of rules and values. So an invitation to the kingdom of God is actually an invitation to switch kingdoms. It is for sure a life-changing transfer of worlds, of allegiances, of monarchs. From a world of death to a world of life. From a world of allegiance to temporary things to an allegiance to eternal things. From a world ruled by a dark and evil ruler to a world ruled by a monarch who is defined by light and love.

Oh, my heart aches for people to know how much greener the grass is on the other side, in this new amazing kingdom! How can I show them? How can I convince them to transfer to God’s kingdom and shift their allegiances and values? How can I show them how beautiful this kingdom is…a kingdom of truth, of love, of life, of beauty, of purpose, of meaning, of eternal rewards?

Jesus traveled about from one town and village to another, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom of God. (Luke 8:1). May I follow in Jesus’ footsteps and share with others the good news of this kingdom, for it is true good news.

It’s raining today. I have found myself a little disappointed, as I was hoping for another day like yesterday…outside in the warm sunshine. This year, I find myself longing for spring more than I ever have before. Feeling cooped up. Smothered. Claustrophobic. Ready to be let loose out into the world that God created, not these four walls that some group of sweaty men built back in the 30s. But not today. Today I am locked in. Rain.

And yet, I remind myself that this rain is a necessary part of getting to those warm summer days I long for. I need this rain to moisten the ground so my garden seeds will find a nurturing place in the soil. I need this rain to make my grass green and soft again so it doesn’t sting my feet. I need this rain for the bulbs in my landscaping to bring forth their spring flowers. I need this rain for the leaves to erupt on the tree in my backyard to create that shady reading spot that I love so much. Rain, rain: when I think of what you do for me, I love you a little more, and resent another day indoors a little less. I forgive you. Thanks for bringing me my spring.

But this is not the only rain I have to forgive. It is not the only rain I have to remind myself to be thankful for. There is that spiritual rain…the downpours that come over my life and give me that “locked in” feeling in my soul. Those things in my life I want to tell to “Go away and come back another day” or as I really feel: “Don’t ever come back!” Persistent struggles, too familiar sins, difficult relationships, confusion, rejection, hurt….rain.

And yet, I wonder, could it be? Could it be that just as these raindrops that I watch chase each other down my window panes will usher in the spring I so long for, that my own life rain will usher in a spring as well? Will this rain produce flowers in my soul? Green shoots? New growth? Can I trust this rain to bring forth my own soul spring?

Oh yes, I know that it can do all that and more. I know that as God promises, trials will produce many good things in my life. James tells me that trials develop perseverance which leads to maturity, completeness, wholeness. I know that if I respond to this spiritual rain as the earth responds to natural rain, life will be created. I will be changed. Growth will happen. That just as rain is necessary for spring to come, it is also necessary for me to become the person God wants me to be.

“See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and late rains. You also be patient…” (James 5:7-8). Yes, be patient through the rainy seasons…be patient until the fruit appears…be patient and thankful for the rain, for it is producing precious fruit…fruits of character, completeness, wholeness. The rain is ushering in the spring.

Okay rain of my soul, downpours of my life, I forgive you. Help me to respond to you as I need to in order for new growth to come. You are welcome in my life. Thanks for bringing me my spring.