Kingdom

As soon as we move into the chapter on Jesus, we encounter a few words that are central to who Jesus is and what Jesus does. Just as shalom and hesed formed a thread through the Hebrew scriptures, the words gospel, agape, and kingdom intertwine through the New Testament to tell a new story of God's dream. 

When I think of God's "dream" realized in the person of Jesus, I go back to what Jesus prayed for: that we might be one, that is joined in unity rather than disunity. And though we talk about God's Kingdom all the time, I wonder how much we really know about it or are willing to live into it these days?

This question almost always spurns me toward a future oriented glance and answer--just what does God's Kingdom look like? But, I don't think that is the proper orientation.  What is it about our faith life that always has us focusing on "tomorrow" rather than today? Why do we so easily put our eggs in a heavenly reward while ignoring the opportunities of today, right now?

In counter-intuitive fashion the answer to this question is that the Kingdom of God is like a mustard seed and baking yeast.  Both start small and are part of transforming ordinary elements into a great yield. We are meant then to look at our own lives: are we willing to be faithful in the small things so that greater yields may come from our actions?

When I asked my husband what he thinks of when he hears the phrase "Kingdom of God" he said "heaven." Yet, in scripture, I hear Jesus saying time and again: the Kingdom is with you, now.  Is the Kingdom of God different then the Kingdom of Heaven?  Scripture scholars have made loose distinctions between a millennial kingdom (a future oriented reality) and a universal kingdom (present reality) but the terms seem to be used equally, interchangeably by Mark and Luke.  Matthew is the only writer to use the term "kingdom of heaven." (Kingdom of God occurs 68 times in many New Testament books while Kingdom of Heaven only occurs in Matthew, 32 times).

So, if the Kingdom of God is like a mustard seed, yeast, even justice, then what are we to do with these images?  What do they imply for our lives today?  

If I am actively engaged in being a part of God's Kingdom, then my actions will convey the change I wish to see in the world.  Instead of a far away ethereal heaven, I now have a charge, a sacred duty, an honored mission to seek God's Kingdom and dream in my corner of the world. I think this is a radical change for the way Christianity has traditionally groomed its adherents. Instead of leaning toward a promising future (which will be as God wills it to be), then why not focus on today, focus on serenity:  God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference!

It seems this Way of the Kingdom of God leads to a wholeness and a life of significance that we crave. Beyond the fear of meaninglessness, the anxiety of our unsettled struggle within ourselves, we have been given the opportunity to be emptied, to be other-oriented and to be the freedom we seek. Will we take part? Will we opt for the familiar and abandon the challenge? Is it too much work? 

What must I do to be open and transformed for a life of significance? What shape must my journey take today to yield Kingdom results? Important questions not only for today, but for who we are, who we hope to be on Easter morning and beyond.