Day 364

Malachi 1:1-2:17; Revelation 21:1-27; Psalm 149:1-9; Proverbs 31:10-24

The Consummation of the Kingdom

There is a theological tension sometimes expressed as the now and not yet. By faith we are in the Kingdom now, under the rule and reign of Christ Jesus. Spiritually, the old has passed away, and we have become a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17). By faith and baptism, by repentance, forgiveness, and reconciliation, all the promises of God are made sure in us as His children. However, we still struggle with sin; we are in a fallen and broken world; creation itself longs for the Kingdom to be consummated (Romans 8:20-22).

One way of understanding this theological concept is to consider a metaphor, D-Day and VE Day. In World War II, when the D-Day invasion took place on June 6, 1944, and it was successful as the allies gained a secure foothold on the European continent for, all practical purposes the war was won in Europe. The German army would be in a constant state of retreat. Though we could say victory was assured, the war was not over. Over the next eleven months and two days, there were constant battles and warfare taking place, thousands of lives lost and even more casualties until VE Day (Victory in Europe) on May 8, 1945. As we apply this analogy to the now and not yet, we can see the cross and death of Jesus, His mighty resurrection and glorious Ascension as D-Day. The mission of redemption and reconciliation was accomplished in these saving acts of God, and by faith right now we partake of the Kingdom life. VE Day can be seen as the return of Christ and the consummation of His Kingdom in a physical and real manifestation. This is what is being depicted in the reading from Revelation. We long for and eagerly await His appearing—it is our Christian hope.

As Christians, we are called to serve, and there are specific actions associated with the Christian life. We study the scriptures; we proclaim the Gospel, we pray and intercede for others and needs… The list could get extensive as we think about the tasks of our discipleship. However, there will come a day when we no longer need to study the Bible, (The Bible Challenge will be over!) for as scripture reminds us, we will know fully even as we are fully known (1 Corinthians 13:12). There will come a day when the task of evangelism will be done, for the redeemed of the Lord shall enter in their Master’s joy (Matthew 25:34)!

There will come a day when we will no longer need to pray for as this passage in Revelation states: no more tears, death, mourning, crying, pain, hunger, or thirst. What joy will be ours as we enter the nearer presence of Christ. This world can oppress us with its struggles and darkness. We are given in this text a new vision, a hope that lifts our eyes to something so joyful words cannot express and our minds are incapable of “imagining what God has prepared for those who love him” (1Corinthians 2:9). Get excited, dance, sing shout and rejoice for in this moment we will discover the words of Jesus, “It is Finished!” We will enter into everlasting rest, eternal life. Phil Keaggy had a song decades ago, the title track from his album, What a Day:

When I get Home I will see all the holy men I read about.
Peter and John, James, Luke, and Paul and brother Tom without a doubt.
And I do believe there will be King David at the harp a song of praise with every chord.
What a sight to see, the redeemed and The angels gathered round worshiping the Lord.
What a day that will be, Oh what a day that will be!

When we get Home, our Eternal Home, there’ll be no more sick and dying.
No one is sad, no one is alone and there will be no more crying.
He will wipe away every tear from His children’s eyes

And put a smile upon their faces.

What a happy day when we see Our Lord in Paradise crowned as King of Kings.
What a day that will be. Oh what a day that will be! 

Indeed, what a day that will be!

The Rev. Jon Davis, PhD