By
Elin Henderson
“ ‘The time has come,’ he
said. ‘The kingdom of God is near.
Repent and believe the
good news!’ ” …
Mark 1:15 (NIV)
Have you seen that new show Preppers? It follows
people who are preparing for a variety of doomsdays. Some have huge shelters
built underground in which they store up food, water and supplies for months.
Others are training themselves and their families in self-defense, while
stocking up with enough guns and ammunition to fight off half an army!
Jesus calls us to be preppers, as well: preppers for His
Kingdom. He calls us to store up treasures not on this earth, but to store up
treasures for the Kingdom that is to come. He calls us to train ourselves to
fight the good fight, but not for the kingdoms of this world, rather for His Kingdom!
This prepper mentality is not one born out of paranoia
or conspiracy theories, but out of a sense that this world is not our home. It
requires a GOD-focus not a SELF-focus. It’s risky business to be a Kingdom
Prepper. The costs are high and the stakes are crazy from a human
perspective. “Lose your life to gain it”
(Luke 17:33). “Be last to be first”
(Mark 9:35). “Be low and let Him lift
you up” (James 4:10). These aren’t the
slogans of self-preservationists.
So…are you ready to join the ranks and be named with the
crazy Kingdom Preppers of this age?!
GOING DEEPER:
1. What are some ways that you can be part of this
Kingdom Preppers movement? How can you help others around you catch the vision,
as well?
FURTHER READING:
Oakwood’s
missionaries Elin Henderson (a registered nurse) and her husband Phil serve as
church planters with New Tribes in Mozambique, Africa. Elin is mother to twelve-year-old Callie and
ten-year-old Elias. They are currently in America on Home Assignment.
