by Victoria Heinecke

Keep your eyes open, God’s Kingdom is here.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.”
Mark 1:15 English Standard Version (ESV)

There is a new artwork in the Dairy Block in Denver. It was created sometime in the past two months, a welcome addition to a once-gray brick wall.

As you approach this painting, it appears as bright colors on the canvas of bricks. However, it takes on a three-dimensional perspective through the lens of a camera and its appearance changes dimensions when you arrive at it.

John the Baptist was preparing Israel for the coming of Jesus. Some believe that he was an Essene, a small Jewish sect that appeared just before the birth of Christ, and disappeared just decades after his ascension. There was an excitement at the time – was this the coming of Messiah, at last?

Then, just as suddenly, Messiah arrived! Imagine the excitement of being present when they realized he came to the people, at last!

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. .”
John 1:14 ESV 

Today, Christians await the return of Jesus, and what a joyous time that will be! We know the time is coming. We may not know exactly what it looks like, but we will know it when that time has come.

“No longer will there be anything accursed, but the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will worship him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.”
Revelation 22:3-5 ESV 

Meanwhile, we can be joyful on this side of heaven, because this IS the Kingdom of God! Jesus has conquered sin and death on the cross, and by his suffering we are reconciled to God. We are his children, in his Kingdom. Believe in this, and be saved.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado