Between Two Kingdoms

John 18:36, Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.”

Wow! How we get bogged down in stuff in the “wrong kingdom!” We focus just on today in the world we live in. We stress about the future in a world that will be made new.

We strive for accomplishments that will one day be swept away. We collect and buy things that have a limit on their usefulness.

Jesus didn’t. In John 18:36, Jesus is standing before Pilate. Pilate is expecting Jesus to make a plea to be freed. Instead, Jesus simply says, “I’m not focused on this world.” In other words, Jesus wasn’t worried about the immediate when He knew what the eternal promised. He knew His fate as He stood before Pilate. He knew why He was sent and what He must do. Even though it wasn’t easy for Him, His focus was on another kingdom—a kingdom that wouldn’t fade away.

So, my question to you today… my question to myself today is…

What kingdom are you living for?

Really? Where is your mind as you face the struggles of this life? Where are your goals as you live on planet Earth?

There’s another kingdom. It’s a kingdom that lasts forever. It’s a kingdom that promises rest and peace. That’s the kingdom I want to live for in this world. That’s my focus.