But the kingdom, or government itself, would be that of God in heaven, and for this reason Jesus often referred to it as the “kingdom of the heavens.” ( Matthew 5:20 6:9, 10) This helps us to understand what he meant when he said: “Have no fear, little flock, because your Father has approved of giving you the kingdom.” ( Luke 12:32) Yes, God would give this “little flock” a share in the heavenly government over all mankind.ģ. Thus, the earth would become a delightful home for mankind. (a) What is the kingdom of God, and where is it located? (b) So when Jesus said that the “little flock” would inherit “the kingdom,” what did that mean?Ģ During his earthly ministry Jesus said much about the “kingdom of God.” He taught his followers to pray that, by means of the Kingdom, God’s will would be done here on earth. But do you know why God has arranged for some persons to go to heaven? Do you know what they will do there?Ģ. ![]() To them it has represented a prospect of relief from the troubles of this life. ( John 14:1-3) Millions of persons have set their hearts on such heavenly life. He told them that he was going to prepare a place for them and that, in time, they would be there with him. WHILE Jesus Christ was yet with his followers here on earth, he spoke to them about heavenly life. (a) When Jesus was on earth, what did he tell his followers about heavenly life? (b) Why do many persons want to go to heaven? Jesus, I trust in You.The Reason Why a “Little Flock” Goes to Heavenġ. Help me to have confidence in You and Your grace as I seek to put my eyes on the glory of Your Kingdom. Please free me from the many fears that I am tempted with in life. My Divine Shepherd, I accept Your invitation to put my trust in You. Put your trust in God and allow Him to transform you. As you do so, allow this revelation to cast out fear from your life, strengthening you to overcome that burden. Reflect, today, upon the heartfelt invitation of our compassionate Lord Jesus to put your eyes upon His Kingdom. His Kingdom becomes ours, and when we can see and understand how glorious this calling is, we will be filled with hope and excitement as we seek to obtain it. The Father, whom we must trust and with whom we must have an intimate relationship, invites us to share in His most glorious Kingdom. Lastly, this line points us to the Kingdom of our Father in Heaven. If we understand this love of His we will be compelled to love Him back with the same depth of intimacy. This term of endearment reveals not only that we belong to Jesus, it also reveals how His love for us is intimate and heartfelt. Second, this is also a very tender statement from Jesus in that He calls His disciples, and all of us, His “little flock.” This is a term of endearment and reveals our Lord’s gentle and compassionate heart. When we put our eyes on Him, fear dissipates and trust takes its place. Overcoming fear is a matter of humility, in that humility enables us to turn our eyes from ourselves and the problems we face and to put our eyes upon our Lord. ![]() There are so many things in life that can have the effect of causing fear, worry, anxiety and the like. ![]() This short statement from Jesus reveals three things to us.įirst of all, we hear Jesus offer the familiar reminder that we ought not allow fear to take hold of our lives. Jesus said to his disciples: “Do not be afraid any longer, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.” Luke 12:32 Nineteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C
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