The Fractured World: Creed series - Christian Lindbeck (Gen. 3; Acts 1-2; Rev. 19:22)

"He ascended into heaven, and he is seated..."

More than a flight pattern,
ascension
describes the taking of a crown
and throne.
Ascended - past tense,
done at a point 
in time before now.

He currently sits -
present tense.

Then why this fractured world
where innocents can
be gassed by 
their own ruler
and humans are considered
disposable commodities
to insatiable lusts
and blood
drips through
the cracks?

Believers - flawed but faithful -
have run neck and neck through history
with rebellious rioters -
broken also but unrepentant.
Christ's invasion into enemy 
territory was Act I
in the Great War of
redemption.
We find ourselves
at war still (Act II),
knowing the end is now
assured,
though we wrestle
with monsters
infuriated and frenzied,
laying waste 
while they can.

"And He will come to judge..."

When the King rises
from His throne (future tense),
His shadow 
will fall like lead on us all
as he swings the sword
of justice
beheading evil and
treading on the Serpent's head.
He will swing wide
the gates of Eden -
the rusty hinges
will shriek with joy.

Between now and then
we are to continue 
the battle as we
champion redemption by 
harassing the enemy,
construct the Kingdom by 
dynamiting dungeons
and create justice by 
dismantling systems 
of oppression.

Heralds tell,
ambassadors show,
and agents act
to bring about change.
Yet we are just 
blowing in the face 
of the wind
without the empowerment
and direction
of God's Spirit.
Buildings,
institutions
and programs
will not suffice
to bring real hope
to a fractured
world.
Help us -
heralds, ambassadors
and agents all -
to kneel daily
before the throne;
give us ears
to hear,
hearts to care,
eyes to see
and courage
to act
in the King's 
most holy name
and for His cause.
         Amen.