The Cost of Kingdom Advance

Jeremiah 52; Revelations 1; Psalms 143, 144

“I, John, your brother and companion in the suffering and kingdom and patient endurance that are ours in Jesus, was on the island of Patmos because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus. On the Lord’s Day I was in the Spirit, and I heard behind me a loud voice like a trumpet…”

Revelation 1:9, 10

The apostle John in his greeting and doxology introduction to his Revelation has already declared that the fruits of our salvation are freedom from the penalty of sin and citizenship in Christ’s kingdom where we are priests who serve our God and Father (Revelation 1:5, 6). He goes on to say that we are companions with him in the suffering, kingdom, and patient endurance that are ours in Christ.

Is that true in our experience?

When we pray, “your kingdom come, your will be done”, are we okay with the fellowship of sufferings and patient endurance that prayer requires?

The advance of Christ’s kingdom in our lives and in this world is costly. For John that meant exile on the deserted island of Patmos. For us it might mean repenting of sin to our spouse or our employer, or facing rejection from Christ, or even the loss of our lives.

Will we embrace the kingdom and its cost?

“Lord Jesus, you paid everything for me. I will obey you and pay whatever price to keep saying, “Yes” to you, for your glory.”