Expansion

"When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars, which you have set in place, what is man that you are mindful of him, the son of man that you care for him?"
Psalm 8:3&4

While on my four day Thanksgiving weekend, I happened to watch a few science documentaries about the universe. After years of misunderstanding and not having the scientific instruments to measure, scientists now all agree about one thing: The universe is expanding. Since we cannot fathom the concept of infinity, it is difficult for us to grasp what this really means. To us, after all, the universe is already infinite. How can infinity expand? But the reality is there. All that we see is expanding, and this is the work of our God.
    Not only is the universe expanding, so is everything within God's kingdom. Have you considered the possibility that even God's word is expanding? The words that are written in the Bible are set. For many years, none have been added or taken away. But the things that are written there have been placed in hearts like yours and mine. When we receive those words, the Holy Spirit takes them and gives them life within us. As each person undergoes this process, the words of God expand. They are given wonderful and diverse definition as each of us applies them to our own lives and spheres of influence. His Word is alive and growing.
    When we consider the universe, it is impossible for us to imagine the complexities that exist there. We are overwhelmed with the unknown majesty of the heavens. Yet this is only one of the creations of God that is expanding. His kingdom that includes you and me is also expanding. More and more people are coming to know Jesus and thus his his kingdom advances. Matthew 11:12 says this: "From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it." God's kingdom is advancing and the forceful will take hold. It is a violent process and we must develop the strength to battle for the kingdom and receive it with all the power that lies within it.
    In the midst of all this expansion, God's focus remains on us. God is mindful of us. He never loses that focus. All of creation was built for us. The stars twinkle, the plants live, die, and come to life again, the oceans hold vast and diverse life, all for our pleasure. Everything God has made was created with us in mind. For the first time, people are understanding that the universe is growing. We must now understand that God's kingdom is also growing, and at the heart of that kingdom is the King, Jesus himself. Will we embrace it or reject it? Will we take it by force or or sit back and take it for granted? Consider how his kingdom is expanding. Realize that you have an integral part in the process. And then, go after it with all your strength. Experience the expansion.