Tag Archives: Kingdom of God

Belonging to the Truth

Living in the Spirit
November 25, 2018

Scripture Reading: John 18:33-37
Then Pilate entered the headquarters again, summoned Jesus, and asked him, ‘Are you the King of the Jews?’ Jesus answered, ‘Do you ask this on your own, or did others tell you about me?’ Pilate replied, ‘I am not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and the chief priests have handed you over to me. What have you done?’ Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not from this world. If my kingdom were from this world, my followers would be fighting to keep me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, my kingdom is not from here.’ Pilate asked him, ‘So you are a king?’ Jesus answered, ‘You say that I am a king. For this I was born, and for this I came into the world, to testify to the truth. Everyone who belongs to the truth listens to my voice.’

There are no borders in the Kingdom of God. It is a singular, diverse society welcoming to all. Some of our founders foresaw that vision for the USA. As I drive down the street passing a Mexican restaurant here and an East Indian one across the street, I can see glimpses of that vision. I was somewhat surprised the first time I ate authentic Mexican food and realized what I had been eating was similar but not the same. It was changed by the ingredients that were available and the taste desires of the community in which it was being served. Does finding common cultural ground make us better through our sharing or do we dilute heritages? Is there one better way of being human? What is the lowest common denominator shared by all people that is the sinew holding all God’s children together as one while allowing each to fulfill his or her potential and being respected for who he or she is and who he or she is becoming? What does it mean to belong to the truth?

In his study on the book of John, N. T. Wright talks about the ancient’s idea of heaven and earth varying from ours today.  Our ancestors in faith viewed heaven not as someplace off somewhere but as intersecting with the earth particularly in the tabernacle in the Holy of Holies. Wright sees Jesus as serving at the crossroads of that connection linking us through the love of God to one another. When we share in that love with Jesus Christ, we are enabled to share the love with others. Maintaining that connection is vital.

Prayer: Lord, you said that you are the vine and we are the branches, nourish us so that we can grow in spirit and in truth as we work toward the oneness you envisioned. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

The Unexplainable

Living in the Spirit
November 23, 2018

Scripture Reading: Revelation 1:4b-8

Look! He is coming with the clouds;
   every eye will see him,
even those who pierced him;
   and on his account all the tribes of the earth will wail.
So it is to be. Amen. 

 ‘I am the Alpha and the Omega’, says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty. –Revelation 1:7-8

The book of Revelation masterfully uses imagery to get its point across. Some think that was out of necessity because of the persecution of Christians. While that is possible, I tend to think that human attempts at describing God must rely on imagery because we are trying to explain the unexplainable. We experience the absolute nature of God through faith that the writer of Hebrews describes as Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (11:1)

Acts 1:9-11 describes Jesus as ascending to heaven on a cloud following his resurrection. It would seem to follow that he would return the same way. Jesus’ role in Kingdom building began with his resurrection and will come to full fruition with his return, which is the premise and the purpose of the book of Revelation as stated at its beginning.

I tend to be what I call a pragmatic optimist. Once I am tasked with a job, I am compelled to complete it. Now that does not mean we should slam into brick walls making no progress when advances can be made in other tasks toward the same goal. Yet, we may never know what a difference we make toward a goal that is attained after our work is done. Indeed, for two thousand plus years, Christ followers have kept their commitment in that sure and certain hope that our work serves God’s purpose.

History tells that at times we have veered off course on occasion and thus we must repent and find the narrow way to the Kingdom of love once again. There are also many barriers set before us trying to block our progress, which only drives us closer to God as the one who can overcome the world.

Prayer: Lord, guide us as we journey through hope in establishing your world ruled by love. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

Well Trained

Living in the Spirit
September 22, 2018

Scripture Reading: Mark 9:30-37

They went on from there and passed through Galilee. He did not want anyone to know it; for he was teaching his disciples, saying to them, ‘The Son of Man is to be betrayed into human hands, and they will kill him, and three days after being killed, he will rise again.’ But they did not understand what he was saying and were afraid to ask him. –Mark 9:30-32

The job of parents is to prepare their children for adulthood, to leave home and make a positive contribution to the world whatever that might be based on their skills and interest. Parents also set the stage for their children to prepare the next generations to do the same work. In the above scripture, Jesus is preparing the disciples for their role in advancing the Kingdom of God. He enabled them to become trainers for Jesus’ future followers and we are still challenged with that call today.

All types of skills and interest are needed in the developing Kingdom of God. Paul outlines some specifics in 1 Corinthians 12 where he discusses spiritual gifts. Exodus 31: 1-11 describes how integral art was to in worship and how the Spirit of God was gifted to people to provide the special touch of art. All have gifts and all gifts provided by the Spirit are important to the furtherance of the Kingdom of God.

This scripture also describes Jesus’ intensity of training as he knew his time was short. While we may hope for a long life and people now are routinely living to be over 100, our need to fast-track the Kingdom comes from the longing to live as many of those years as possible in a world ruled by love that we are called to build.

Prayer: Lord, thank you for leaving us a roadmap to the Kingdom of God and ancestors in faith who shared it with us. Enable us to do our part now in making the Kingdom a reality and passing your training on the future generations. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

Patience

Eastertide
May 17, 2018

Scripture Reading: Romans 8:22-27

We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. –Romans 8:22-25

For some reason, I have adapted a definition of the word “patience” as being inactive waiting for something over which I have no control. Like waiting for a bus or to be called into the doctor’s examining room. I am wrong. The Greek word translated in our scripture today as “patience” is hupomoné* and means remaining under, endurance; steadfastness, especially as God enables the believer to “remain (endure) under” the challenges He allots in life.

Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary is even more precise, patience** is:
1. The capacity or habit of enduring evil, adversity, or pain with fortitude
2. forbearance under stress, provocation, or indignity: toleration or magnanimity for the faults or affronts of others:  courageous endurance

While I suppose there is a bit of lack of personal control in patience, the heart of the word, though not mentioned in definitions, is hope. Having endured some painful surgeries, I can attest to the fact that hope for better mobility and health outcomes are the primary drivers in doing the rehab. Practicing patience is an extremely active process toward attaining something of great worth.

I cannot think of anything that is of greater worth than the fulfillment of the Kingdom of God in our world.

Prayer: God, grant me the patience to continue following your lead in fostering a world ruled by love.  May your Kingdom come, your will be done. Amen.

*http://biblehub.com/greek/5281.htm
**http://unabridged.merriam-webster.com/unabridged/patience

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

God’s Love

Eastertide
April 22, 2018

Scripture Reading: John 10:11-18

I have other sheep that do not belong to this fold. I must bring them also, and they will listen to my voice. So there will be one flock, one shepherd. For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up again. I have received this command from my Father.’ –John 10:16-18

The sheep that do not belong to this fold is most likely a reference to Gentiles, people who were not Jews, people who were not of the original covenant perhaps, people who were the other. Who are our Gentiles today? Who do we not accept as included in the love of God that we value so very much?

We leave a door slightly ajar for people not like us who make every attempt to be like us, worship like else, share our values, maybe even look like us. We are less inclusive of those who may love the Lord but do not meet our criteria of acceptance.

There are no doors, bars, walls, or borders in the Kingdom of God. All are welcomed just as they are and as they grow in their relationship with God whether they fit our mold or not. We are called to be one by the all-powerful God and Jesus Christ drew the assignment to bring us together even if it killed him.

Even though Jesus died on the cross, he arose and lives today to guide and direct us in the formation of a world ruled by his love. The thing about God’s love is it grows exponentially when we give it away. We are blessed by loving the other whoever they may be.

O Love that wilt not let me go,
I rest my weary soul in thee;
I give thee back the life I owe,
That in thine ocean depths its flow
May richer, fuller be*.

Prayer: Thank you for loving me despite my failures to love all your other children. Forgive me and grant me the wisdom and the nature to love like you. Amen.

*First verse of O Love that Wilt Not Let Me Go by George Matheson, See at http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/o/l/t/oltwnlmg.htm

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

 

Sons and Daughters Not Hired Hands

Eastertide
April 21, 2018

Scripture Reading: John 10:11-18

‘I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. The hired hand, who is not the shepherd and does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and runs away—and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. The hired hand runs away because a hired hand does not care for the sheep. I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father. And I lay down my life for the sheep. –John 10:11-15

Growing up on a farm, we did not have either sheep or wolves, but we did have chickens and coyotes, which cause the same sort of concern.  We children were the only thing close to hired hands on the farm and we were not paid individually but contributed to the family income. I suppose we had inherited the same attitude of the owners. It was a family farm.

The Kingdom of God is like a family farm where the livelihood and wellbeing of all matter because in the ideal situation the family is held together in the bonds of love.  The earth and all that is in it is Christ’s farm (perhaps some other planets as well) and all its inhabitants are Christ’s sheep. As children of God, we take the place of the untrustworthy hired hands and are called to care for all our brothers and sisters in Christ as well as the earth.

This is a simple story plucked from the culture from which Jesus came as is my story, but it is played out, in reality, every day. Fires are burning as I write destroying property, farm animals, and wildlife. The weather prediction is for higher fire damage tomorrow. A call has gone out for hay to feed surviving livestock as there is not enough grass or hay for them. One man so far has died as he tried to save a town. He is a member of the family of God. Our hearts go out to all those who have lost everything or something and particularly those who lost loved ones.

Prayer: Lord, wrap your loving arms around those devasted by fire today giving them strength to move forward and show us how we can help. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

Being a Witness

Eastertide
April 15, 2018

Scripture Reading: Luke 24:36b-48

Then he said to them, ‘These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you—that everything written about me in the law of Moses, the prophets, and the psalms must be fulfilled.’ Then he opened their minds to understand the scriptures, and he said to them, ‘Thus it is written, that the Messiah is to suffer and to rise from the dead on the third day, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins is to be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. —Luke 24:44-48

What have we witnessed about God in our world today and to whom did we share our observation? Personally, I am trying to deal with my pre-judgments about people not related to the color or gender but how differences in our backgrounds or personalities make it hard for me to communicate with them. A wise friend once advised me that when I had a problem with someone I needed to pray for them and for help in dealing with the negative vibes I feel. It works. God broadens my understanding, helps me see the person from a clearer vantage point, and suddenly the problem slips away. I have shared these experiences without naming names and had others tell me that it worked for them too. Now if I could just start these prayers at the first sign of tension, it would save me a lot of frustration and thought that could be channeled for more productive purposes. We are all works in progress.

What have we witnessed about God in our world today and to whom did we share our observation? My faith group is taking a long hard look at the need for reconciliation in our world particularly related to racism. The Spirit is present in each of the events and work that we do when our focus is on loving like Jesus loved. It is hard to rid ourselves as individuals but also as the church and as a nation of deeply ingrained habits and thought patterns. Cleaning our values and moral filters takes intentional work requiring constant communion with God to help us see ourselves more clearly and understand that what might seem innocent to us is very painful for others with different backgrounds. It takes courage to admit such shortcomings but taking that step is a witness of Christ’s love for others to see.

What have we witnessed about God in our world today and to whom did we share our observation?

We’ve a story to tell to the nations,
that shall turn their hearts to the right,
a story of truth and mercy,
a story of peace and light,
a story of peace and light.

 Refrain:
For the darkness shall turn to dawning,
and the dawning to noonday bright,
and Christ’s great kingdom shall come on earth,
the kingdom of love and light.*

Prayer: Lord, broaden my sight to see your work in our world and empower me to witness to it. Amen.

First verse and refrain of Hymn We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations by H. Ernest Nichol see at https://hymnary.org/text/weve_a_story_to_tell_to_the_nations

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

A New Beginning

Easter
April 1, 2018

Scripture Reading:  Mark 16:1-8

When the sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, so that they might go and anoint him. And very early on the first day of the week, when the sun had risen, they went to the tomb. They had been saying to one another, ‘Who will roll away the stone for us from the entrance to the tomb?’ When they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had already been rolled back. As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man, dressed in a white robe, sitting on the right side; and they were alarmed. But he said to them, ‘Do not be alarmed; you are looking for Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, there is the place they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter that he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him, just as he told you.’ So they went out and fled from the tomb, for terror and amazement had seized them; and they said nothing to anyone, for they were afraid.

Mark is well known for its brevity and that is no better illustrated than in this original closing segment of the book. While I can draw much from the other gospels and their stories of the resurrection, I rather think Mark’s rendition sets the best stage. The resurrection is a beginning not the ending of the story and us like Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Salome play our part in the remaining story. The ending is still being written.

Now I have no idea how long these women held out telling no one what they had discovered. They probably did not tell acquaintances or strangers they met along the way. My guess is they were so rattled when they returned from their visit to the tomb that bits and pieces spilled out quickly.  In the company of Jesus’ disciples, their demeanor surely led to questions that had to be answered.

With the trumpets sounding, our organist played Lift High the Cross* as the opening music on Palm Sunday. I love the soaring symbolism in the music which forcefully proclaims we are lifting high an empty cross as we celebrate the empty tomb. I was rather surprised she played in at the beginning of Holy Week, but it nicely wove into the praise of Palm Sunday while painting a picture of what was to follow.

While we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus today, let us remember we are still telling the story of that empty cross and the empty tomb. We are the Body of Christ in the world today called to build a world ruled by God’s love with the abiding grace of Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit guiding the way. Let it be so.

Prayer:
God of grace and God of glory,
on your people pour your power;
crown your ancient church’s story,
bring its bud to glorious flower.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage,
for the facing of this hour,
for the facing of this hour**. Amen.

*Set to the tune of “Crucifer” by Sydney Nicholson
**First verse of God of Grace and God of Glory by Harry Emerson Fosdick. See at https://hymnary.org/text/god_of_grace_and_god_of_glory

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

Ordinary Time
January 31, 2018

Scripture Reading: Psalm 147:1-11, 20c

Praise the Lord!
How good it is to sing praises to our God;
   for he is gracious, and a song of praise is fitting.
The Lord builds up Jerusalem;
   he gathers the outcasts of Israel.
He heals the broken-hearted,
   and binds up their wounds.
He determines the number of the stars;
   he gives to all of them their names.
Great is our Lord, and abundant in power;
   his understanding is beyond measure.
 The Lord lifts up the downtrodden;
   he casts the wicked to the ground. –Psalm 147:1-6

I saw a news story recently about a local group providing services to persons in Haiti still recovering from the horrible earthquake that killed over 100,000 people eight years ago. I was particularly struck by the interview with one mother living in a lean-to shack with no running water or electricity. They interviewed her because she spoke English. She spoke English because she was deported from the USA having been forced to make the heartbreaking decision to leave her two daughters behind as they were American citizens and she knew the future she was returning to was grim and dangerous. Ironic isn’t it that faith groups are ministering to people in their desperate situations because of the actions of our own country.

I praise God for the work of the hands of God’s servants healing the brokenhearted and binding up their wounds. While such work is needed, our work at home doing justice has become even more imperative. The USA government recently ruled that the refugees we took in after that same earthquake must return to Haiti over the next year or so even though that country does not have the resources to support the population there now. The report gave no reason for the deportation order. It seemed an arbitrary decision based on someone thinking the refugees were here long enough.

I also saw a headline recently that asked the question whether democracy remained a viable form of governance. I did not have time to read the article, but the answer that came to my mind is that democracy can be a great form of governance if we all work at making it so. What do you think?

Prayer: Lord, you created each of us with skills and talents designed to bring about your Kingdom guide us in doing just that. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.

Being both Wise and Innocent

Ordinary Time
January 20, 2018

Scripture Reading: Mark 1:14-20

Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.’ –Mark 1:14-15

What is our final straw? What must happen to get us up and out into the world to do our part toward building the Kingdom of God? Jesus and John had most likely talked and prayed about the need for change many times; may even have had a plan. Jesus probably saw the writing on the wall that John’s arrest would lead to his death. The mantle was on Jesus’ shoulders now.

I heard and read several voices of race-hate this week. Hecklers calling out in gatherings celebrating the life of Martin Luther King Jr. disrupted meetings. I was stunned to hear of states placing work requirements for adults to receive Medicaid. There are very few adults even eligible to receive Medicaid, and if they do, they are most likely at that moment too sick to work. Many of these adults are parents of children who need them returned to health so that they can support their families. Why would we suddenly require thousands of refugees from El Salvador sheltered here to return to their homeland when we warn our citizens that it is a place too dangerous to visit? Are these types of policies the way you envision the Kingdom of God functioning?

I am a strong supporter of the USA constitutional separation of church and state. I respect the rights of people to practice freedom of speech and religion. I also think it is incumbent on each of us to make our voices heard regarding the way our state or country should function. Less than half of eligible voters, vote in most elections. Many who vote are caught up in one-issue or another without regard to how the candidate might act on other issues. I believe some candidates emphasis wedge issues to get elected because they have other issues that are more important to them but are not as important to their constituents. They are sly like foxes. Jesus tells us ‘See, I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. (Matthew 10:16)

Prayer: Lord, create in us pure hearts, hold us closely in synch with your will, and empower us to step out in faith in support of a world that reflects your love. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.