Here Again
by Dale on Mar.05, 2010, under Church, Gospel
Think this through carefully…
Jesus announces that “the Kingdom of God is at hand.” What does that mean?
I believe Jesus’ disciples were right on target in expecting this would be a real kingdom that would make a real difference in human history, politics and culture. However, Jesus corrected them because they had the wrong idea of what kind of Messiah (king) would rule the kingdom…Jesus announced the arrival of a real, political kingdom under the rule of the Holy Spirit! Not a “spiritual” kingdom, as if it would exist only in some idealistically ethereal or spiritual realm. No, the kingdom of God is political in the classical sense which concerns the manner in which real people form real communities and arrange their common affairs…The rule of God (the kingdom) is not far off in the heavens! The kingdom of God is right here with us now just as His Holy Spirit is right here with us now! If we believe one truth, how can we deny the other?
Now, let’s meddle…
- How do so many Christians justify supporting our national war policies when these foreign policies so clearly conflict with the teaching of Jesus to love our enemies, to be peacemakers, to seek reconciliation, turn the other cheek, walk the second mile, etc.?
- Are the teachings of Jesus applicable? Or is there a compelling reason to ignore or contradict them? Is the Kingdom of God real? Or is there a compelling reason to ignore or negate the love of God?
- Is military service a valid career choice for any Christian? Or does the title Prince of Peace only reflect up?
It’s real easy to declare that the teachings of Jesus were meant only for personal relationships and don’t really apply when we sell ourselves to the military complex…even that begs questions of whose possession we are; did Jesus purchase us with His own blood? How then can I give myself to another if I no longer belong to myself? Are we citizens of the United States or the Kingdom of God? Can we be both even though we must choose one or the other when our loyalties conflict or contradict?
Or can we just go back to just splitting our loyalties in terms of whether or not we will engage the spiritual with the mortal realm, which begs questions of fidelity and salvation, and just how Christian we want to be.
