The Shadows of Dawn

Matthew 13:4 The Kingdom of Heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man
found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy sold all he had and bought that
field.

The Kingdom of Heaven is the best-kept secret of the universe.

It is hidden to those who refuse to believe that God sent his only son to redeem us.
And we are not only redeemed, we are placed into a kingdom that will never perish,
spoil or fade. This is not an ordinary kingdom, because it is eternal. It is
beautiful beyond description because it is the place where God is. Its beauty is
designed to take your breath away, and to fill you with such joy and adoration that
even eternity will not dull its loveliness.

Another name for kingdom can be family.

When Jesus tells us that the kingdom is at hand, that God’s kingdom has come to
earth, he means that we have been included in it and that we belong. That’s the
reason it is called, “the good news of the kingdom.” It is immensely good news, the
best news that has ever been brought to earth, news that will shatter the fears and
doubts that dwell in the hearts of humans who feel as if they are rejected and
alone.

Jesus’ message of the kingdom is about redemption from all that fear. It is about
redemption from death and heartache; it is the promise of a future that will wash
away all that is dark and hidden and bring light and freedom of expression, freedom
of worship, joy unlimited.

No wonder the man who found the hidden treasure went out and sold all he had to gain
it. He knew that God, the austere one, the one to be feared and the one who was the
great judge in the brazen skies of condemnation would become his beloved father;
that he would become part of the heavenly family; that he would belong and his heart
would be settled in the reality of the great joy of union with something much
better.

The kingdom of heaven has come and dwells in your heart today. If you will allow it,
it will grow stronger and take hold right here and right now. The good news is that
you belong and are part of a heavenly plan that will come to fruition when Jesus
returns to fetch his bride.

Whatever you are facing today, know this: You are family, you belong and the kingdom
is growing daily in your heart. This is the good news of the kingdom and although
you may see “through a glass darkly,” the day is coming when your fears and doubts
will disappear like the shadows of dawn and you will see with eyes of joy.

My Daily Agreement

It’s God’s desire that I lead a humble life that is healthy, simple, uncluttered
from the hurts of the past, unhindered from sin, disentangled from people and
things, free from selfish ambition, free from anxiety and stress – following Jesus,
loving and being loved – and filled with his grace and kindness – excited at the
thought of the future.