2 Samuel 7:11-17 – An Unstoppable Kingdom
Perhaps what discourages you most is sin. Perhaps your own sins and failings are constantly getting you down. Or you’re disillusioned as you look out at the sins of those who are meant to be God’s people. Certainly, sin has consequences. V14 makes that clear. Sin only ever brings misery. But it can’t derail the kingdom because the progress of the kingdom doesn’t depend on our faithfulness. Sin can’t stop it.
Or perhaps as you look ahead, you’re just so conscious of the ravages of time. Maybe you think back to a year ago, and there are things you could do then that you can’t do now. Or as you look to the future you just wonder how long you’ll be able to keep doing the things you’re doing. Everything around us is affected by the passing of time. Technology that’s cutting edge today will seem clunky and brick-like in a few year’s time. But here’s something that time can’t annul. One thing you can be absolutely sure of, no matter how uncertain the future seems, is that ‘The Lamb Wins’, and that his kingdom will endure.
How much of our time and energy do we spend on things that won’t last? As Isaiah put it [55.2]: ‘Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labour for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear and come to me; hear that your soul may live; And I will make with you an everlasting covenant, My steadfast, sure love for David’. Isaiah is saying that only in relationship with our covenant king can what we do in this world have any eternal value. We don’t all need to be full-time Christian workers, but without doing our daily tasks with an eye to the king on the throne – it’s all pointless. The people around you that you’re tempted to be envious of, apart from Jesus Christ it’s all futile. One day soon it will all turn to dust and slip through their fingers. But here’s how to live a life on earth that actually counts for something – live it as part of the kingdom of God. Live it serving the Son of God who reigns on the throne. You’re part of a kingdom that death can’t destroy. That sin can’t stop. And that time can’t annul.
Question
- How should we do our daily tasks?
Prayer Points
- Pray for the preaching and hearing of God’s Word tomorrow.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.