The Supernatural Lifeنموونە

Supernatural Intent

Jesus’ ministry was intentional. He had a clear view of his role in reviving the kingdom of God on Earth so it would progress until the day he returned, a day that would usher in a global Eden.

Our lives are not as pivotal as his, but each of us, like the disciples, has a true role to fulfill. We need to live as if we believe that. Believers brought into God’s family . . . are brought in to be not observers but participants (Colossians 1:13).

Among the intentions of Jesus was to show people what Eden had been like and what life with God would be. In God’s family and God’s rule, there will be no disease and physical imperfection. There will also be no hostile powers. God’s ultimate kingdom is bigger than a garden, wider than Israel. The kingdom will be global. It will include all nations. And it will be everything Eden was—heaven on earth.

Our task is to imitate Jesus. We can, like him, care for both body and soul of our fellow imagers, leading them to faith in the King and strengthening their resolve to be loyal to him. It doesn’t necessarily take supernatural power to “bind up the brokenhearted” and “proclaim liberty to the captives” in the steps of the Messiah (Isa 61:1), but these are supernatural acts at the core. They demand resistance to darkness and strategic vision. No act of kindness will fail to be used by the Spirit to direct someone’s heart. No articulation of the gospel will be fruitless. Jesus’ kindness was congruent with his message. Neither diminished the other. This is a pattern any believer can imitate—and it is the job description for kingdom vision.

Last, we are reminded again that intelligent evil not only has limitations but it is vulnerable to kingdom vision and action. Jesus is already seated “at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers having been subjected to him” (1 Peter 3:22). We are “already but not yet” co-rulers with him (Colossians 3:1; 2 Timothy 2:12; Revelations 2:26; 3:21). The gates of hell will not withstand the progression and completion of the church as God’s kingdom on earth. 

The decision to participate in the great reversal is ours.

This reading plan is adapted from Supernatural: What the Bible Teaches about the Unseen World—and Why It Matters by Mike Heiser (Lexham Press, Bellingham, WA), 2015.

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