Welcoming God's Reign

Date: Saturday, November 15, 2025

Readings: Ezekiel 10:1-19 | Luke 17:20-37

Ezekiel 10 is a sobering vision: the glory of the Lord rises from the threshold and departs the temple. When a people cling to forms of religion while resisting the heart of God, presence is not presumed. The leaving glory warns us that holiness is not a backdrop for our plans; God is not managed. What matters is a contrite heart that welcomes His reign.

Jesus’ words in Luke 17 cut through our distractions. The Kingdom is “in your midst,” yet the day of the Son of Man will arrive with an urgency that exposes our attachments. “Remember Lot’s wife,” He says.; do not look back. The point is not speculation about timetables but readiness of heart: open hands, unencumbered by what we cannot keep.

Taken together, these readings call us to vigilance and surrender. We resist the presumption that God’s presence will remain while we ignore His voice. We loosen our grip on lesser securities so we can respond when He speaks. The Kingdom is here, and is still coming. Wisdom is to welcome the King now, so His coming will be joy, not surprise.

Devotional Prompts:

• What “good” things might be anchoring your heart in ways that keep you from responding to Jesus quickly?
• How can you cultivate a soft, responsive heart that welcomes God’s presence?
• Where do you sense the Kingdom “in your midst” today, and how will you join it?

Prayer:
Holy God, keep me from presumption and teach me readiness. Loosen my grip on what cannot last, and fix my eyes on Your Kingdom. May Your presence dwell with me now, and make me ready for the day of Your Son. Amen.