The Kingdom!
I study during all of my spare time. I read not only scripture but viewpoints from theologians and wise people of scripture. I prefer all different viewpoints to get a better picture of the true meaning of the word. Reading the bible and putting it into our lives is hard. It is a puzzlement. We live with such privilege. We live with such wealth and prosperity in America. When Jesus said “the last will be first and the first will be last” shouldn’t that make us uncomfortable. There is nothing wrong with being affluent, comfortable and American. However we had better be humble, hospitable, and generous in our comfort. In contrast, to every other kingdom that has been and ever will be, Gods’ kingdom belongs to the poor… the peacemakers… the merciful… and those who hunger and thirst for God. In Gods’ kingdom, the people from the margins will be lifted up to places of honor, seated at the best spots at the table. His kingdom knows no geographic boundaries, no political parties, no single language or culture. It advances not through power and might, but through acts of love… joy… peace. Mercy, kindness, and humility are its virtues. Gods’ kingdom arrived, not with a trumpet’s sound but with a baby’s cries. Not with the hatred of enemies but with the forgiving of them. Not on the back of a warhorse but on the back of a donkey. Not with triumph and a conquest but with a death and a resurrection… That is the kingdom I want to be a citizen of.
I Love You! Perry