Richard Stearns, in his new book “The Hole In Our Gospel” writes about the Kingdom on earth. This is what Jesus meant when he prayed. Charity, equity, and mercy are the marks of the kingdom of the Messiah, and Jesus wanted it to begin on earth. Those who are called to follow Jesus are called to be transforming agents in the world. With the Spirit leading Disciples are part of the kingdom coming; transforming agents of compassion mercy, justice and love.
With this vision of being a transforming force for the kingdom of God, I was struck when reading the beatitudes.
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
If the poor in spirit are ever to know that the kingdom is there’s, then it will be the disciples of Jesus that share that good news with them.
“Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.”
If those who mourn are to be comforted, then again, it will be the disciple of Jesus who has the good news to share. But even more than words alone, the disciple of Jesus is called to be his presence. With a hug, a willingness to listen, an intercession on their behalf.
The idea that the kingdom is in our midst is straight from Jesus. His first proclamation is that the Kingdom of God has come near. And then Jesus says: “The Kingdom of God is among you.” (Luke 17:21) Wherever hungry people are being fed, in the name of Jesus. Wherever sick are being healed. Wherever justice is being established. Wherever peacemakers are at work; there is the Kingdom!
And as for the peacemakers, it is the follower of Jesus who is must bless them, by announcing them to be “the children of God.”
Richard Stearns is the president of World Vision U.S.
My impression of the "poor in spirit" beattitude was that those who humbled themselves before the Lord, after hearing His Word, realized that they had nothing to offer God for their salvation and trusted in His provision through Jesus automatically had the kingdom of heaven. No magic Jesus prayer is required. Even while we live on earth and deal with the imperfection of it, others and us, salvation is ours through faith in Christ.
ReplyDeleteI thought the name Richard Stearns sounded familiar. I'm pretty sure that as long as we have partnered with WV he has been their president.
It's amazing how far they stretch our dollars to help children across the world. We enjoy feeding both the body and soul of these children. They send us regular updates. Some of the children and their families have even become self-sufficient...moving from getting fish to being taught how to fish.
Their headquarters is just up the road from you in Federal Way, WA.