The Property Brothers and Jesus

The kingdom of God now, but not yet.  It is interesting that the story of Israel’s refusal to enter the promise land in Numbers 13 and our present condition are similar.  We are told that God’s kingdom has been established by Christ.  He is indeed reigning and is in control.  However, when we look around, we may questions such a proposition.  

This thought began to emerge as I viewed an episode of "Property Brothers"  The premise of the show is simple.  Two brothers, one a contractor (Jonathan) and the other a real estate agent (Drew) are the hosts.  In each episode, a family presents their need for a new home.  Unfortunately, they cannot afford their dream home.  However, the brothers has the solution.  They convince their clients that they could have all, or at least most of what they want if they would purchase a less expensive, fixer-upper and renovate.  Once the deal is completed by the Drew, Jonathan begins his work.  By the conclusion of the episode, the families begin their lives in their dream home.  What if you participated as the potential homeowner?  After finding that perfect "fixer-upper, one of the brothers instructed you to simply move in and begin renovating, even before the deal was finished.   You may question the legality of such behavior, which would be rejoined by Drew's assurance that the deal is "as good as done."  After all, if you watch the show, Drew never fails to complete the deal.  His track record is flawless, his word can be trusted.  

Yet, even if the dead was securely in your grasp, you may still have the same reaction as many on the show.  Many feel like foreigners in their new property.  It is only after they have renovated the house and formed it into their own likeness, that they begin to feel like natives.  In order for this transformation to occur, they have to build toward or for their dream home.  

We are told by the likes of N.T. Wright that we are to be “building for the kingdom”.  Living in such a way as though God was king, and his rule was now.  When we look at our culture, we may be tempted to suggest that this kingdom is not present.  We find suggest that it would be foolish to live in such a manner.  Yet, God continues to call us to live out his kingdom, with full confidence and hope that He has done, in the completed (perfect tense) action, what he said he has done.  

In Numbers 13, Israel was told that the land was already theirs (perfect, completed action).  Even though the land did not look like it belonged to them, as their enemies were still residing comfortably in the land.  God told Israel to go in and begin building, stretching out, and acting as though the land was their possession.  However, Israel did not set their eyes on the promise, only the problem.  They did not begin living in the land, as though it belonged to them.  Unfortunately, that generation of Israel would never realize the blessings that God had intended for them.  They refused to trust in God and believe His promises.  

This world is our “land”.  God has promised this land to us, and established it as His kingdom on earth.  God has called us to inhabit this land with his ethics, announce his reign, and live as though He were presently on the throne.  Just as the Canaanites would have reacted (had Israel obeyed), our world may be tempted to reject our message.  However, they would not be able to deny our unique lives guided by God’s nature.  

If we would learn from the past, we would certainly enter the land, in spite of all of the problems ahead, and build for the kingdom.  If we should ignore the past, we will never enter the promise land, we will never know all that God has intended for us.  This is Christ work, this is our calling, this is God’s world.  Fill this world with his presence, live as though God’s kingdom if fact, and His reign is enacted, because it is.