Even though Jesus answered the question, we often act as if we have a better answer than his, or at least we would prefer that Jesus consider our approach to setting up a good kingdom.

Even through imperfect people and imperfect delivery, God can bring repentance, restoration, and revival.

Even when our own choices lead us into pain, God’s mercy is still greater than our rebellion. From the belly of the fish, Jonah cried out in repentance, and God heard him.

While Jonah ran from the people he despised, God continued pursuing both the prophet and the city he refused to love.

The prophet reminds us that God sees both our actions and our inaction, and that every nation will one day stand before Him.

In a world filled with storms and struggles, God offers himself as our strong tower and safe refuge.

The entire eleventh chapter of Luke is a response to one of the disciples making this request of Jesus: “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.”

Though Israel’s rebellion brought painful consequences, God never abandoned his promise to redeem his people.

As the disciples watched Jesus ascend, they likely felt overwhelmed by the responsibility ahead of them. Yet Jesus had already given them the Holy Spirit as their helper and guide.

Hosea reminds God’s people that no earthly power, personal strength, or human wisdom can heal the heart the way God can.

In Luke 22, the disciples move from fearing they might betray Jesus to arguing over who is the greatest—all during their final meal with him. Their failure reflects the same weakness we often see in ourselves. Yet the beauty of the gospel is that Jesus still offers forgiveness.

Jesus made His mission clear: to seek and save the lost.

When we come to understand that before we were born God loved us and had a plan for us, we are more likely to see his plan being revealed in our work, in our family, and in all of our relationships.

True faith means trusting Jesus enough to let go and follow Him daily.

When we come before God honestly and persistently, we discover a loving Father who hears, responds, and transforms us from the inside out.

In a culture quick to criticize, Jesus calls us to something different. Instead of pointing fingers, we’re invited to reflect His kingdom through everyday acts of love and humility.

Are we welcoming and pursuing those far from God, or quietly drifting toward judgment like the Pharisees?

Just as Isaiah reminded Israel of their roots and God’s faithfulness, we too can find clarity and hope by remembering who God is and who we are in Him.

It is good to remember, though, that when we reach those desperate situations, we can call out to God from the depths of our crisis and be assured that he hears us.

Jesus offers a better kind of investment—one that isn’t shaken by the economy or limited by time.