May 3 Kingdom Gift

Luke 12:32 “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.”
 
AS he uses the phrase “little flock”, Jesus speaks to us as the Good Shepherd to reveal the Father’s loving gift to his own.  “Your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.”  Think of it! The Son of God affirms your Father in Heaven is pleased to give to you his Kingdom. This is the Father’s gift of love, hope, joy and peace – of everlasting life in eternal glory. The Father’s generous miracle is beyond our comprehension. After all, we are simply sheep. Sheep need care, protection and guidance. As sheep have no ability to live and thrive without a good shepherd, we have no ability to live with God on our own merit. The Father welcomes us into his comforting, secure kingdom as we follow his way to life. Does this remind you of another very comforting Scripture?
    The beloved Psalm 23 comes to mind. The assuring words declare the Lord God is your true shepherd, granting to you the way of life eternal. Following him, you will have all you need. He will give you a quiet place to rest. Your soul will be filled with his strength and peace. The Lord will guide you to right living, so his name will be known and praised to the nations.
    Yes, you can even know his comfort and strength when you walk through the dark days that strive to turn you astray. With such a Father, “little flock”, you need not be afraid of anything that opposes you, not even death. After all, you know the Father is with you. His commands and teachings point you to him. They comfort you as you can trust his truth is the way of life in his eternal kingdom.
    Yes, the Father “has been pleased to give you the kingdom” He has prepared a table for you to exalt you above your enemies. He crowns you with life as the oil of salvation flows over your soul. Surely goodness and love will follow you all the days of your life because you have faith you will dwell in the Kingdom of God forever.
    In Christ, the Father has been pleased to offer you this eternal gift. “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.”
 
Prayer: Thank you, Father, for your eternal gift upon my soul. I have all I want in you. In Jesus’ name I praise you. Amen.