We who have made the Kingdom turn stand in the hope of God’s glory and love now, every day. But even as joyful and reassuring as that is, God has more in store for us. Today’s reading from The Kingdom Turn is found on pages 86 and 87:

“Heaven, though not our ultimate destination, is pretty amazing in its own right, offering an even more focused and intensified experience of the glory that is to be revealed. So desirable was heaven to the Apostle Paul that he could say, ‘For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain!’ 

“Beyond this world, beyond heaven, beyond anything we can imagine, and filling up eternally into all the fullness of God, a new world is being prepared, and we who stand in the hope of glory now stand also in the hope of glory then. Glory now and then: This is why we are Christians. Our main priority is to live now so as to know, experience, and express a reality that is, but that is still in preparation – the eternal realm of God’s glory and love. We stand in the hope of this glory every day of our lives. We seek it in His Word, pray earnestly to enter into it, linger and lavish in it as we do, then go forth to live that glory and love in all our relationships, roles, and responsibilities.

“And as we do, we have one eye fixed on the horizon of time. For we know that time will one day run out. History and the world as we know it – full of its bustle, busyness, bitchiness, and brokenness – will one day come to an end, and with it all the circumstances and stuff to which people cling for happiness and hope. But when that happens, the glory that is to be revealed will shower upon and radiate through those who stand in the hope of that glory now, until they are transformed into that very glory and image of Jesus Christ, and dwell face-to-face with Him forever. 

“And even then, even amid all that brilliance of spiritual, personal, creational, and cultural glory, the glory that is to be revealed will increase in transforming love and power, without obstruction and without end.”

For reflection or discussion
1. How often do you think about your final destination beyond this life? What do you think?

2. Why is it a good idea to be absolutely clear about where we’re headed beyond this life?

“Bound for glory!” We’ve all heard that saying, and, hopefully, the significance of that truth is beginning to sink in a little more. Glory now. Glory hereafter. Glory forever. Yeah. Bound for glory! Share today’s podcast with some friends, then get together to discuss what you’re learning. And go to The Ailbe Bookstore and claim your free copy of The Kingdom Turn.

T. M. Moore

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