The Kingdom of Heaven is Near

I was reading the first Wednesday entry in "My Time with God", and was struck with the simple line "The Kingdom of Heaven is Near". How many times I've read or heard that statement. I've even preached it a time or two over the years. Typically we associate this statement with the "Repent – The Kingdom of God is Near". It conjures cartoon pictures of some disheveled bearded wacko waving a sign declaring the 'end of the world'. It has brought the ridicule and laughter of the world – so much so that even we, as followers of Christ cringe when we see or hear the declaration. What a shame. The most amazing life altering good news has been relegated to stuff of fools and religious zealots, and the result is, that we distance ourselves from the very place God has given to us as gift. Because of the fear of being associated with fools and zealots, the temptation is to dial way down the Kingdom of God is near rhetoric. 1 Corinthians 1:18 reminds us however that the "preaching of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing".

Think about the implications of John the Baptist's words – the Kingdom of God is not some far off, unconnected, in a land far far away, place that is to be feared and used as a threat. It surrounds us, envelops us, it is a promise and the hope of new beginnings – it touches us, although many times we are completely oblivious to its proximity.

I think about the year 2008. What is the greatest contribution we could make in the lives of those we have been called to serve in this coming year? What if, by our own growing dependency on Christ, building and committing to the demonstration of loving one another in our teams, by the 'cups of cold water' we give to those who are dependent on serving hands, we could even make 'thinner' the veil between earth and heaven. Imagine that. If we could see our primary function as we labour together, bringing 'nearer the kingdom' to those with exceptional needs. The miracle is that while we engage in that activity, we ourselves are enveloped by the Kingdom- it becomes 'near' to us.

Wouldn't it be wondrous if we saw ourselves, each other, as God see's us? Not firstly as employee's for CH, but as co-harvesters in His Kingdom fields? What if we could see those with exceptional needs not as 'recipients of services', but as His, our, brothers and sisters whom God has entrusted to us?

Prayer: Lord Jesus Christ, may we join you in bringing the Kingdom of Heaven close to all those we come into contact with today.

Anyway, I was just thinking.

Neil