Why is it taking so long to enter God’s Kingdom?
January 25, 2009
By Rev. Jess Foglesong

Have you ever wondered, what is taking so long for God to call us home? It has been over 2000 years since the Resurrection -- Cross event. Most who believe in Christianity, in God, have hope that He will follow through with His promise to bring us home; to lead us from this imperfect world to the land of milk and honey. Does that sound familiar?

Yes it does … we can look back to Exodus (in the Old Testament) and see that God’s covenant people – The Israelites – wandered in the desert for forty years before finally entering the land of milk and honey: the promised land of Canaan. They actually were at the door of Canaan within two years, but because of their stubbornness, grumbling and indignation; as well as their distrust of God’s word, were told that they had to continue their march through the desolate desert many more years. It was only until after a new generation – 40 years – had passed did God finally allow them to cross the Jordan River into the promised land.

Now how does the plight of the ancient Israelites relate to us today? Well, I am suggesting to you that what happened to the Israelites is a prophecy of what and where we are today.

We must look at the larger picture: A perspective from God’s point of view (if that is possible). A view that humans were redeemed from Satan’s grasp (Sin) by God, through a mediator – His sacrificial lamb, Jesus -- The Christ. And now -- like the Israelites, led by Moses – we too are moseying along in a “symbolic” desert waiting to enter God’s promised land. And so why is it taking (what seems like) such along time?

Well, I believe – like the Israelites – that we have lost our way. We too are stubborn, indignant and without faith. Therefore, He is allowing us to continue on our journey (through the wilderness) until he sees maturity; trust; faith -- in His word. He made a covenant with Abraham that his seed will multiply, like the millions of stars in the heavens. And all of his children will have everlasting life.

This was God’s promise. It was His promise at the onset, at the beginning; it was the same promise when the Israelites were freed from Egypt; and it is still the same promise today. God’s word is absolute. He made a covenant, a promise, and no matter how long it takes – He keeps His word.

All we have to do is accept it! Trust His word. Have faith in His word. Be committed to his promise. As soon as He sees us doing this; as soon as He sees the maturity of the wheat, of the grapes, He will rein us in, but not until then.

Perhaps many of you are mature grapes, ready to be picked. God needs as many as possible. Not just a few; He is looking for a multitude. Although in the end only 144,000 will be allowed to enter His Kingdom: symbolically, a number representing the twelve tribes of Israel; a "symbolic" number of mature believers and true remnants of redeemed faithful followers: 144,000, equaling millions of faithful believers; those who accept the enheritance of eternal life.

Are you one of the faithful ones? Do you have full trust in your Father, our Creator? Are you enjoying the ride, the journey, at the same time trusting that no matter how long it takes, the day will come when He will call us home? Know that in this interim time, He is patiently gathering, calling and corralling His flock of sheep, and will soon lead them to green pastures.

Like the Israelites, wandering in the desert for 40 years, we too are wandering, generation-to-generation; maturing, ripening, for the day we are taken across the threshold; the parting river; into the land of promise.

God’s best is always for you – today!




Where is your Allegiance?
January 18, 2009
by Rev. Jess Foglesong

I can still remember those childhood classroom days where we all had to stand to recite the “Pledge of Allegiance.” And as a kid – of 8 or 9 years old – I never paid too much attention to what the words really meant: To have allegiance to a flag; to our country; to the people? I just knew that it was important to say those words, because the teacher said so; or because it was part of the school rules. Not until many years later did I realize the importance of those words; of patriotism; of honor; of freedom; of democracy.

To have allegiance to one’s country is certainly important and commendable. And certainly most people in the world are very allegiant to their distinct culture, heritage and country: Italians, the Irish, Russians, the French, Dutch, and Norwegians, as well as the English, Chinese, Japanese – and many, many more. All are naturally allegiant to their individual culture – or race: such as the Jewish, Hawaiian, or American Indian cultures. Some are so in to their culture that – to them, all others are inferior (or at least, irrelevant).

Nationalism for the most part becomes so strong, in some cultures, that it impedes one’s vision of global “oneness.” That is: humanity, as a whole, created by God. Instead of being allegiant to the Creator, we look at Him as secondary to one’s country or culture.

I suggest that we look beyond one’s nationalistic interest, and instead focus on the one who made us; and the one who showed us the importance of love and respect for all. Yes, we should never forget who we are, and where we came from; and of course, never stop embracing our own distinct culture. But we must also never forget the Father in Heaven who made us; who was there when we were lost, and brought us back to the living. Our culture; our nationalistic interest will not ensure everlasting life. Only God and His angels can do that!

Our full commitment and allegiance to Him should be first on your list. All other things should be secondary. Your faith in His redemptive plan, through the deliverance of the Sacrificial Lamb, is imperative for your survival in this potentially, chaotic universe.

This is where my allegiance is … in God -- Jehovah! Who through His Son, The Christ, saved all of us. Why not celebrate this knowledge, as part of who you are. No matter what ancestry, culture, or country you derive from … don’t forget your true history and who created you.

He has not left the scene. He has been with us from the beginning. His illustrations and signs are everywhere! Don’t shut Him out! Live your life with The Father in mind. Include Him in your daily activities, in your conversations, in your journey.

We are all on a journey … like the multitude of migrating animals, we too are on our own journey home to the Father – to our true parent; to our true heritage, culture, country. To our true “Homeland.”

God best is always for you – today!

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