|
Scripture: Matthew 20.1 (NRSV)
For the kingdom of heaven is like a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyards.
Comments
For years my Christian walk seemed unnatural. I tried to live in two worlds. One world was the Christian life, which I was informed was unnatural. The other w0rld was the natural life, and sinfully so. I, finally, learned the Christian life means living in a natural life and naturally.
This natural life, often spoken of as how life was before the fall, is living the kingdom of heaven. Jesus used monarchical imagery for hearers who were of a long history of monarchy, both theirs and empires that subjected them (20.1). But what does the kingdom of heaven mean to us long-separated from imperialism?
Jesus’ use of kingdom shows it is neither a place nor bound by time. The kingdom of heaven appears more as a synonym for God. John Wesley wrote in his sermon "On the Omnipresence of God,” the teaching of God dwelling in heaven is condescension to "weak understanding." God is “the universal God … in universal space." Everywhere is God’s dominion. The Eastern Church has taught that we experience God through the Glory, like experiencing the sun through sunshine. The kingdom implies the rational order within the Creator. God is the pervasive, gracious influence flowing through the Word and touching us all, for God is in every where and every time through Christ.
Thankfully, Jesus does not call us to be unnatural. Jesus teaches us to live this life naturally. We do not have to be torn between two worlds, as I was for many years. Jesus says, “Look at this kingdom. Look at God! I will show you how to live the way intended by the Creator, and that way is reasonable, natural, and loving.” We mature into this True Life by the Holy Spirit applying grace for ongoing conversion of heart and mind.
Suggested Meditation: How do you see yourself growing in experience of the kingdom of heaven? How do you see your life witnessing to other persons of God’s kingdom?
*For joining or removal from the OneLife daily reading list, send request to brian7777@earthlink.net .
*OneLife writings are offered by Brian K. Wilcox, a United Methodist pastor serving in the Florida Conference of the United Methodist Church. He writes in the spirit of John Wesley's focus on the priority of inner experience of the Triune God; scriptural holiness; ongoing sanctification; the goal of Christian perfection (or, wholeness). Brian seeks to integrate the best of the contemplative teachings of Christianity East and West, from the patristic Church to the present. Brian lives a vowed contemplative life with his two dogs, Bandit Ty and St. Francis, in North Florida. OneLife writings are for anyone seeking to live and share love, joy, and peace in the world and in devotion to God as she or he best understands God.
*Brian's book An Ache for Union, a book of poems on mystical union with God through love, can be ordered through major on-line booksellers.
The Grace of Christ be with All!
|
