So we´ve talked and discussed seeing the Kingdom of God, and I think that´s the first important part. Then, after we notice it, after we change and think differently, we can take another big step. When we see God´s Kingdom growing all around us, we can take part and help it grow too. We can share that love that we have been given, the small miracles we see in our daily lives.
We can help spread God´s Kingdom and share it with other people. Now some people would call that ¨evangelism,¨ but I don´t really like that word. To me evangelism means that we pass out tracks or tell people that they are bad and sinners… and I feel like neither of those things helps to spread the Kingdom of God. You can´t really get excited about it, you know? But seeing God in little miracles and acts of love every day – the Kingdom of God can really change minds and hearts.
Jesus directed His disciples: Matthew 10:7 and 8
¨As you go, preach this message: `The kingdom of Heaven is near.´ Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons. Freely you have received, freely give.¨
How is this ministry and these instructions different than a lot of ¨I can save you¨ evangelism that we see today?
Freely you have received, freely give. Show the people around you God´s Kingdom, help them notice it too. For some people, that might be listening to their problems, for others giving them specialized attention, some people need a blanket, or to visit a doctor, a hand carrying a load of groceries, or a hug…
We notice God´s Kingdom in little acts of love, moments of beauty, daily miracles in this mess… and I wonder what little things we can do to give to people who need a glimpse of the Kingdom in their life. Not hear how bad they are, or receive a booklet with smiley-face Jesus that they maybe aren´t even able to read. To experience the Kingdom.
I think it is a daily challenge to see the Kingdom of God, and then to share it with others. But I also know that if we take the time to do it, it can change our lives and the lives of others around us.
Pinker, Round Two
10 hours ago
3 comments:
Eric, I really enjoyed reading this. I love thinking of the Kingdom of God/Heaven as something that surrounds us in the present moment. Have you read the "His Dark Materials" trilogy by Philip Pullman? They are really beautiful books, and the ultimate message is that the Kingdom of Heaven is right here on Earth.
Keep writing!
Miranda
¨His Dark Materials¨ ... I´ll have to check that out. I am definitely all about the Kingdom of Heaven being right here on Earth now. Did my brief reading say that they made the movie ¨The Golden Compass¨ based on those? I didn´t see the movie either, actually.
I´ll definitely try and check it out- I love book recommendations, thanks!
Hey, yes! The Golden Compass is the first book of the series and was made into a movie. However I recommend skipping the movie altogether and just reading the books. :-)
Have a great weekend!
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