The Future of God's People
Scripture Reading — Micah 4:1-5
We will walk in the name of the LORD our God forever and ever.
Micah 4:5
Micah describes the coming kingdom of God as a time of peace and blessing. In one sense, God’s kingdom is already here, but in another sense, the full glory of the kingdom still needs to be revealed. We don’t know when that will be; only the Father knows (Mark 13:32). In the meantime people of all nations will flock to the Lord to learn his ways so that they too can walk in his paths.
God will eventually judge all the nations and settle every dispute. And people who were at war “will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks.” God’s people will be able to enjoy the pleasant shade of their vines and fruit trees.
What a wonderful future! I am looking forward to that day, as I’m sure you are too.
Already today we can begin to enjoy this divine kingdom of shalom (peace and flourishing for all). Already we can experience fellowship with the King and all who are fellow citizens of his kingdom (Ephesians 2:19). Already today God invites us to change our behavior so that we can better experience his peace and reconciliation.
Our thoughts and actions are to be shaped by God’s coming kingdom! Walking with God, we can begin to enjoy the future today.
Lord, we pray that your kingdom will come soon, so that all your people may enjoy full life in your presence. But help us now to walk faithfully with you, and give us a further glimpse of that day. In Jesus, Amen.
About the author — Adrian A. Helleman
Dr. Adrian Helleman served as a pastor in British Columbia before being called to serve as a missionary-teacher in the Philippines. He and his wife, Wendy, later taught philosophy at Moscow State University in Russia, and then philosophy and theology at the University of Jos in Nigeria. They have also lectured in Canada, the United States, South Africa, and Tanzania. They have three children and three grandchildren.
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