Jesus tells us that the kingdom of heaven/the kingdom of God . There is an interesting relationship here, there is a divine tension– the kingdom is here…..but not there yet. We have the choice today and EVERY DAY to seek it, to enter it, to live as citizens in this kingdom, invest in it and even sacrifice and suffer for it.
Again, we talk about going to heaven after we die, but we should be talking about God’s will being done here on earth before we die!
We talk about people being good and moral, following the principles of the God so that we can avoid HELL after death. But, I hope you are inspired with the possibility of becoming beautiful and fruitful to be a part of the healing our world IN THIS LIFE!
Brian McLaren, in his book “The Secret Message of Jesus” says it this way:
“If we trust Jesus, if we follow His way, if we believe that the impossible is possible in our personal and family affairs, as well as in our public policy and international affairs, we will make decisions and choose directions of one sort. If we believe His way is unrealistic or too difficult or just plain stupid, we will make other decisions and choose other directions. Depending on how we respond to the message of the kingdom of God, we will create two very different worlds, two very different futures–one hellish–the other heavenly.”
The KINGDOM OF HEAVEN is not JUST a place where saved souls go after death, or a place of post mortem bliss.
The KINGDOM OF HEAVEN…..is not free from tears. But in the kingdom, comfort comes from God and tears are dried.
The KINGDOM OF HEAVEN is not free of conflict, but here, conflict leads to reconciliation rather than revenge.
The KINGDOM OF HEAVEN is not free of need, but generosity flows wherever need arises.
The KINGDOM OF HEAVEN was promised by the prophets. Jesus tells us that it is possible and is at hand, within reach. Now is the time to rethink everything and begin to learn to live in the ways of the KINGDOM OF HEAVEN!
Jesus wants to challenge us to live out the kingdom of heaven/the kingdom of God in our jobs, our neighborhoods, our families, our schools and in our society! Not only on Sunday, but between Sunday’s! Every day and every hour that we breathe!
THIS is what Jesus taught when He taught about the kingdom!
Matthew 6:33 (TNIV)
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Next, we will continue with the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount.