The kingdom of heaven has been described as "already/not yet." Already because Christ has won the ultimate victory and as Christians we have power over sin and God can use us to advance his kingdom here on earth. The "not yet" portion relates to the fact that the full power, the full expression of the kingdom - where sickness is totally destroyed, where sin has no power - has not been fully ushered in.
I was reminded of the "not yet" aspect today and the pain that can bring. Being around an elderly couple seems to do that to me - remind me of the truth that we are not in heaven. Right now, we do not have the ultimate victory.
They are so close - so close to heaven, so close to their true home. They are waiting with patience until God sees the time right. He still has things to teach them (and me) through this time. Yet as they wait, they wait with hope and peace. Not concerned (except maybe about being troublesome to others).
They are not yet home, yet already display what will be so evident when they are - peace, joy, kindness and love. May we be reminded that we are not yet home, yet through Christ already have the power to live our lives as if we are.
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