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Scripture ~ Matthew 18.1-4 (NCV)
1 At that time the followers came to Jesus and asked, "Who is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"
2 Jesus called a little child to him and stood the child before his followers. 3 Then he said, "I tell you the truth, you must change and become like little children. Otherwise, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. 4 The greatest person in the kingdom of heaven is the one who makes himself humble like this child.
Comments
The concept "kingdom of God" or "kingdom of the heavens" is central to Jesus' worldview. Thomas Keating refers to New Testament scholar John Crossan on the aim of Jesus' parables in regard to the kingdom:
This is what the parables of Jesus seek to do: to help others into their own experience of the Reign of God and to draw from that experience their own way of life.
*Thomas Keating. The Mystery of Christ. John Crossan. "In Parables."
Keating observes many of Jesus' parables describe a situation in which a person's life is suddenly turned upside-down. Keating concludes Jesus seems to be saying such divine intrusion is how God's reign manifests. He concludes: "To allow one's life to be turned upside-down requires a change of heart. And a change of heart presupposes a certain disenchantment with what we have been considering happiness."
"The reign of God," therefore, "is not so much what we do under God's inspiration as what the divine action does in us, with or without our cooperation. The reign of God often is disruptive, to judge by many of the parables."
Crossan reminds us, above, that God's reign is something we are fitted in. This does not negate our particularity, however. We each must discover, within God and through Grace, as well as wise guidance of friends and family, the life we are to live as part of God. That life is our gift back to God.
Likewise, we humbly respond in trust to God's disruption of our lives. If the Divine One is disturbing us, intruding into our lives, there is a reason for it. Humbleness to wait prayerfully before God is the context for clarity regarding the felt-sense of inner disturbance.
This same principle applies through life. We enter more deeply and wholly God and our particular calling in God. And this life calling can change over time. We may be led in new directions regarding our work, or we may be led into a new work altogether.
I find it somewhat problematic to speak of "kingdom of God" ... a "kingdom" period. Such talk made much more sense in social contexts of other times and cultures. Most of us do not relate well anymore to such "kingdom language." I see "kingdom of God" or "kingdom of the heavens" to refer, more simply, to God. Apply the language as you will, just be aware that God is the Presence who intrudes into our lives, not simply to assert authority, but to lead us to a more whole life, a fuller living of the way each of us can fulfill our lives to God's honor and our fulfillment.
Suggested Reflection
What to you is the "kingdom of God" or "kingdom of the heavens"?
Can you recall a time God intruded into your life to lead you to a deeper relationship with the Divine or to changes in your work?
Brian is available to respond to requests pertaining to seeking a Spiritual Director, his speaking, doing classes, workshops, or retreats for churches or other spiritual groups. He will inform regarding how to receive his other writings or offer replies to comments or questions.
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*Brian K. Wilcox lives with his wife, Rocio, and their two dogs, St. Francis and Bandit Ty, in Clearwater and Punta Gorda, Florida. He is a United Methodist pastor and vowed member of Greenbough House of Prayer, a contemplative Christian community in Georgia. His passion is living a contemplative life and inspiring others to experience a deeper relationship with Christ through contemplative prayer and living.
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