Day 8: “Waiting for the Kingdom and the Life to Come”
Theme: “Do You Believe This?”
Introduction: The Promise of the Kingdom
As we continue our journey through the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, we come to a vital and powerful theme: Waiting for the Kingdom and the Life to Come. This theme invites us to reflect on the promises of God concerning the future—an eternal hope that sustains our faith amidst the challenges of life. It beckons us to focus on the Kingdom of God, which will be fully realized when Christ returns in glory.
The key question this day asks is, “Do you believe this?” This is not just a question about abstract theology, but a deeply personal one—one that challenges us to reflect on our faith in God’s promises, especially when life is difficult or when we experience suffering. Do we truly believe that there is a coming Kingdom—a new heaven and a new earth—where God will dwell with His people forever, wiping away every tear? This is the hope that empowers us to live faithfully and with perseverance, even as we wait.
The New Heaven and New Earth (Revelation 21:1-4)
In Revelation 21:1-4, we are given a glorious vision of the end of all things: “Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.” This is the promise that sustains the weary and encourages the faithful. The world as we know it, with all its suffering, injustice, and pain, will pass away. There will be no more sorrow, no more death, no more mourning, crying, or pain. Why? Because the old order of things has passed away (Revelation 21:4).
This vision of the new creation is not a vague or distant hope; it is a very real promise that God has made to His people. It is a vision of perfect peace, of eternal life, where God Himself will dwell among us. This is the Kingdom we are waiting for—the Kingdom where God’s presence is fully realized, where justice and peace reign, and where every tear will be wiped away.
Application: As we look at the brokenness of the world—whether it be personal struggles, societal injustices, or the pain we see around us—it can be easy to lose hope. But the promise of the new heaven and the new earth calls us to hold on. We are waiting for something far greater than anything we experience now. Do you believe that this future Kingdom is real? Do you trust in God’s promise that He will make all things new? Let this hope guide and strengthen you, even in the darkest of times.
Faith and Hope in God’s Promises (Psalm 85:8, 10-12)
Psalm 85 gives us a glimpse of the harmony that will characterize God’s Kingdom: “Love and faithfulness meet together; righteousness and peace kiss each other” (Psalm 85:10). This is the vision of peace we long for: a place where God’s love and faithfulness are perfectly aligned with His righteousness and peace. It is a Kingdom of harmony, where God’s justice will be evident, and His peace will reign over all.
But this vision is not only for the future. The Psalmist reminds us that God’s goodness is already at work in the present, even as we wait for the fullness of His Kingdom: “The Lord will indeed give what is good, and our land will yield its harvest” (Psalm 85:12). While we await the perfect fulfillment of God’s promises in the new heaven and earth, we can experience glimpses of that Kingdom now—through acts of justice, peace, love, and reconciliation. The Church is called to be a beacon of this Kingdom, a foretaste of the world to come.
Application: In a world marked by division, anxiety, and suffering, how can we be instruments of God’s peace today? How can we embody the love, righteousness, and faithfulness of God in our relationships and communities? Waiting for the Kingdom is not a passive act; it is an active hope that shapes how we live today. Do you believe that you are called to be a witness to this future Kingdom now? Let us live out this Kingdom hope in our lives, through acts of love, justice, and reconciliation.
Watchfulness and Readiness (Luke 12:35-40)
In Luke 12:35-40, Jesus gives a parable about the importance of being ready for the Kingdom’s arrival: “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning, like servants waiting for their master to return from a wedding banquet.” Jesus calls us to be watchful, prepared, and expectant, for we do not know the exact time of His return. He warns that the Son of Man will come at an unexpected hour, and those who are ready will be blessed.
The parable highlights the need for faithfulness and vigilance in the present. Waiting for the Kingdom does not mean sitting idly by; rather, it means living in active anticipation of Christ’s return. We are called to be “dressed ready for service,” living lives of service, compassion, and justice, reflecting the character of the Kingdom while we wait for its fullness.
Application: Do you live with the expectancy of Christ’s return? How does the hope of the Kingdom affect how you live each day? Are you ready to serve and be a faithful witness in the world? Let us examine our hearts and lives, asking if we are truly living in anticipation of God’s Kingdom. Are we prepared to receive the King when He returns? Let the hope of the Kingdom give you the strength to persevere through challenges and to live a life of service, marked by faithfulness and readiness.
Conclusion: The Victory of Christ and Our Hope
The theme of Waiting for the Kingdom and the Life to Come invites us to reflect on the ultimate victory of Christ. This is a victory over sin, death, and all that is broken in our world. The promise of the new heaven and new earth is the ultimate assurance that God is in control and that His Kingdom will come, bringing peace and restoration to all things.
In the midst of life’s challenges, we can hold on to the hope that the Kingdom is coming. We wait not in despair, but with joyful expectation. Our faith in this promise fuels our perseverance, our love for others, and our commitment to living as ambassadors of the Kingdom now. The question remains: “Do you believe this?”
Let us take heart and continue to live in hope, knowing that the day of the Lord’s return will come and that He will make all things new.
Prayer:
O Lord, Hasten the coming of Your great and glorious day! In our darkness, many men and women no longer dare to hope. Protect the flame of faith in the hearts of the weak and the suffering. May Your Church be a faithful herald of the victory of Christ, Your Son, over death, and a beacon of expectation for His return in glory. We long for the new heaven and the new earth where You will wipe away every tear and bring peace to all. Strengthen our hearts as we wait for Your Kingdom, and help us to live in active expectation of Your return. We ask this in the name of the Living One, Jesus Christ, with You and the Holy Spirit, now and forever. Amen.
May the hope of the coming Kingdom sustain you today and every day as you walk in faith, ready for the return of our Savior. Do you believe this? Let that belief transform how you live, now and always.