By Eric Basye
A Glorious Kingdom
When my youngest daughter Aida was very young, she would ask me to tell her a “dragon story” nearly every night. Typically, these stories took place in a medieval setting, complete with an impressive castle that was clean and pristine. The castle was surrounded by green, lush fields where the peasants labored to cultivate the land, and off in the distant horizon were high, snow-capped mountains. This “kingdom” was glorious – so magnificent, in fact, that even being a “peasant” in this kingdom was a noble task and great honor. The king was mighty and just; powerful yet humble; joyous and engaging. He ensured flourishing for all who fell under his protective reign.
The Need for a Rescuer
Aida would be working in the fields, when a dragon would emerge from high in the mountains and abduct her. Countless other souls had fallen prey to this feared beast, and Aida was terrified as the dragon rushed her back to his lair. At this point in the story, Aida tucked snuggly under her covers, would interrupt me, and with wide eyes, she would ask, “Then what happened daddy?” There was a little bit of variance each time the story was told, but the theme was consistent – a valiant soldier (typically her older brother or myself, of course) would come to her rescue, upon the back of a good dragon and slay the perilous beast. This rescuer would then bring her safely back to the kingdom where she would live happily ever after. Now at ease, my daughter’s imagination of glorious kingdoms would take her to a restful place as she closed her eyes and fell asleep. I loved telling these stories to Aida time and time again, as it is analogous to the Kingdom of God – the dynamic reign of God where His rule is experienced.
Our Hope and Deliverance
Currently, we live in a fallen world, where the ruler of this kingdom, Satan, has been granted temporary, but restrained dominion. He wreaks havoc, chaos, and destruction in the world around us. We are inundated with news of wars, starvation, genocide, political upheaval, division, and despair nearly every direction we turn. In the midst of such darkness and heavy oppression, what hope is there for us?
We hope because our Deliverer has come. The virgin Mary was used by God to usher in God’s dynamic reign through Jesus. “He has done mighty deeds with His arm…scattered those who were proud…brought down rulers from their thrones, and has exalted those who were humble” (Luke 1:51-52). Each year the Christmas season provides an opportunity for us to slow down and reflect upon this great news of God’s fulfilled promise.
The Dynamic Rule & Reign of Jesus
A seemingly lowly King, Jesus the Messiah went on to bring His kingdom through His life, death, and resurrection. As He said in Luke 17:21, “the kingdom is in your midst.” God’s dynamic rule and reign is here now in part, and upon His return, will come in full. “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain” (Revelation 21:4).
At CLDI we are motivated by faith in Jesus, passionate about providing creative solutions to the challenges low-income communities experience, and convinced that true transformation comes through the cultivation of life-giving relationships with God and others. In the coming months, we will provide a glimpse of how we see His dynamic rule and reign at work in our community. May this give you reason to join us in praising Him, while simultaneously longing for the fullness of His Kingdom to come. Come Lord Jesus, come; let Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
