Kingdom of Excitement and Joy

18 He said therefore, ‘What is the kingdom of God like? And to what should I compare it? 19It is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in the garden; it grew and became a tree, and the birds of the air made nests in its branches.’ ~ Luke 13:18-19 

“Kingdom Rock” has just wrapped up here at our church’s Vacation Bible School.  The excitement the children entered the building with each day was such a joy to see.  One mother even told me that her youngest child couldn’t wait to get here, exclaiming as soon as he got up in the morning, “Are we leaving for Holy Bible School yet?”  Some children hated to have the week of fun and learning about Jesus end.  But does it really end here? 

The children got a taste of God’s love in a medieval kingdom theme this year.  God’s Word also describes heaven as the “kingdom of God.”  Questions have been raised for centuries asking what heaven is like.  Jesus often replied to this question in parables, one of which compares heaven to a planted mustard seed.  If we look at this parable closer, we can see that something that seems so very small is really much larger when it comes to its ultimate completion and many find rest and comfort in its branches.  If we look at it in this way, heaven seems so small and far away, yet, someday, we will see it in all of its enormity and splendor and also find comfort and rest in this final destination.  Heaven is the ultimate goal for which we strive to achieve an eternity of peace, and the excitement in which we will one day enter it will be far more than we can ever imagine. 

Prayer 

Almighty God,

We thank You for these wonderful opportunities to teach Your children about You and Your Kingdom.  May we all be able to experience the ultimate joy and excitement of entering Your kingdom one day with even more enthusiasm than we can ever imagine possible.  Amen.

~ Wendy Miller