The Increase

It amazes me the amount of doom and gloom that I hear coming from the pulpits of America. It is almost as if Jesus is not Lord and does not rule. I realize that there is persecution. I do not mean to minimize the suffering of some. But, it is as if those who are not being persecuted are feeling guilty because they are enjoying a time of blessing. Jesus is Lord! The pharisees mocked Him when He was on the cross. Mark 15:31 Likewise the chief priests also, mocking among themselves with the scribes, said, “He saved others; Himself He cannot save. 32 Let the Christ, the King of Israel, descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” They didn't get it... His kingdom was not just Israel. His kingdom was not all of Palestine. His kingdom was not even all of the known world. His kingdom was not even all of time. Jesus died that day. He pierced the veil of death. And then on the way back to life He tore that veil in two. That veil was the separation of the earth and heaven, time and eternity. He tore that veil because He is not just king of Israel. No, He is King of heaven and earth. He is king of time and eternity. Come down from the cross? Not a chance. He finished what He began. He always does. And He rules. Oh, by the way, Isaiah said, "of the increase of His government (kingdom), there shall be no end." There is never a decrease, ever. Doom and gloom...lift your eyes to the hills from where your help comes from. He lives, He rules, He is constantly increasing His kingdom on this planet.