Kingdom Building

November 9, 2019

Scripture Reading:
Luke 20:27-38

Some Sadducees, those who say there is no resurrection, came to him and asked him a question, ‘Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies, leaving a wife but no children, the man shall marry the widow and raise up children for his brother. Now there were seven brothers; the first married, and died childless; then the second and the third married her, and so in the same way all seven died childless. Finally the woman also died. In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had married her.’ –Luke 30:27-33

I get the wondering about what, if anything, happens after death. I even enjoy hashing out with thoughtful people diverse understandings of scripture. In the final analysis, life beyond death is not a great concern of mine. I have a sense that I will be with God and that is all that matters. My greater focus is what I am doing in the here and now to make this world a better place for all God’s children. People are different and have different motivational drives. Because of my attitude, I do not comprehend why the Sadducees made such a big deal about wanting to make others take their view that there is no resurrection. It is a good diversion from investing our lives in making the world a better place for all God’s children.

I must confess, I have the same reaction to the naysayers on climate change. What difference does it make whether we believe climate change is man made or not? The reality is the earth is being markedly impacted by climate change and if there is anything, we can do to reduce its impact, shouldn’t we do it?

Prayer: Lord, as we search for wisdom in your word, help us not to get so caught up in our debates we forget your call to create a 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.