Reflecting back to a place on holiday. As I looked out over to Bamburgh Castle from Holy Island, moored out at sea there were sailing boats. Not quite in reach, and some further away.

Bamburgh Castle was the home of kings and St Cuthbert would have had a good view of this castle.

It reminds me of two things;

Hebrews 10:10 (God’s word translation)

10 We have been set apart as holy because Jesus Christ did what God wanted him to do by sacrificing his body once and for all.

Kings and royalty dined and wanted for nothing, or else that is the general impression we get. We have been set apart from this worldly living. We are called not to go through life just enjoying it for our own needs to satisfy the flesh, but to live the life called by God to do his command. Yes we seek people who are in sin to bring them to Christ, but we keep ourselves apart through holy living. We are called to be saints.

We are on the Holy Isle and whilst it may be cold at times, and the weather may be grim at other times, but we are called to be here and do what God asks us to do. And we called to do this in joyous praise to God.

Matthew 6:33

33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

We also live to seek God’s Kingdom. There are many views that expand on what God’s kingdom is but they all agree it is a place of wondrous hope and joy, for we will be with all the saints, all the people who have died for Christ, and more importantly with God. I can imagine it would be like the churches big picnic last year. All Christians just enjoying the sun, each others company and the Spirit of God abounding everywhere.

We are called to make God’s kingdom here, on earth, but also God’s kingdom is also yearned for beyond this life.

Matthew 6:10

God’s kingdom perhaps is like the castle, far off over the waters and the boats are not quite in yet. The boats to take us there may be closer for some and they will experience that joy before us but we must wait.

There is still clouds on the horizon and much work to be done to bring as many to Christ through love and modelling a life devoted to God.

Dear Father, keep us all seeking your kingdom, yet let us not slip into a life of self indulgence.

Dear Jesus help us to set our eyes on your paradise, yet not forget the sacrifice you gave freely.

Dear Holy Spirit help us to listen and act on your words, and not be lured away by earthly desires.

Amen