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 Today is the last Sunday in the liturgical season of Pentecost. Pentecost is the longest season reminding us that we are on the same mission Jesus Christ extended through His followers to the world. By proclaiming the Gospel in its fullness, making disciples (ones in who the Lord is reproducing His life, character, ways and will in the world), healing the sick (physical, spiritual, emotional, mental), raising the dead (those still spiritually dead, separated from God as well as those emotionally and physically dead) cast out demons (exercising the authority given to the followers of Jesus Christ who is King of kings and Lord of lords & in Jesus’ Name, revealing His victory over Satan and all the forces of spiritual darkness), and to cleanse lepers (those whose lives have been numbed by sin, whose inner selves are decaying and falling apart) making those unclean, clean and whole again. This is the Kingdom work given to Jesus' followers.

This is Christ the King Sunday.

It is of importance to know that on this planet there are two kingdoms; two “cities”. There is the City of God (His Kingdom) and the City of Man (the world system run by humans influenced by spiritual darkness). In both cities, people may dress the same, speak the same languages, eat at the same restaurants, shop at the same store and live in the same neighborhoods. What differentiates these people is the orientation of their hearts.

The City of God (thank you St. Augustine) is populated by people whose hearts and thus their lives are oriented to King Jesus. In that City, Jesus Christ is the King they worship, trust and obey in love.

In the City of Man, self is worshipped. Power is exalted, weakness is mocked. Human history seems to revolve around power and land. Possessions and influence, power and control, what makes “me” feel important and secure is the driving force in the City of Man. Brutality, racism, tearing one another apart like beasts (however sophisticatedly be endeavor to cloak our barbarity), hatred, division, selfish ambition and disorder rule the day.

The City of God, God’s Kingdom active on the planet, is concerned with virtue, goodness, grace, mercy, forgiveness, redemption, restoration of the Image of God in all people, care for the weak, the outcast, the widow and the orphan...the unborn…all those who lack a voice to defend themselves.

Because Jesus Christ lived, was crucified, died, is risen and has ascended to the Right Hand of God the Father, He sits enthroned is absolute power, absolute authority. Because we are His, He still exercises His authority to heal, save, redeem and restore through us in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Our King is soon returning. The signs of His return are accumulating more and more as the City of Man grows darker and more chaotic.

The season of Advent begins next Sunday. It is the specific season where we are reminded in Word and hymn that we have a King, Who having come once for our salvation, is coming again to gather up those who have believed Him into the fullness of life.

Are you prepared for the day of His return?




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