Red Letter Christians – Part Two – The Kingdom of God
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark%201%3A14-18&version=NIV
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Head/Mind – Helpful Information
Jesus spoke about heaven, life after death, and about eternal life. And, in another sermon, we will talk about that. But that is not what we are talking about today. Today we are speaking about the kingdom of God, which is not the same thing as heaven. Jesus frequently spoke about the Kingdom of God. But the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus speaks of the Kingdom of Heaven. Why? Because Matthew is written to a Jewish audience. Why is that important? Because Jewish people, including Jewish followers of Jesus were very careful about the use of God’s name. So concerned were they with using God’s name in vain that God’s proper name, YHWH was spoken only once a year by the high priest as they entered into the holy of holies in the Temple. But Jewish people were not only careful with God’s proper name, they were also careful with the word God itself. In print, they would essentially, leave out a letter, so in English they will often write G-D. Even more care is given when instead of saying the word God, they say ha-Shem or the Name. Matthew, instead of using the word God, or the phrase, the Kingdom of God, will often say heaven, or the Kingdom of Heaven. So, the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven are not about where we go when we die.
They are about God’s reign. They are about God’s will being done. When Jesus talked about the Kingdom of God, he was talking about a present reality and a future hope.
And the key that you have for unlocking this truth is in the Lord’s Prayer. In the Lords Prayer, we say, “Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done;” where? “On earth as it is in heaven.” Right now, the primary place where God’s will is being done is in heaven, but we look for and pray for the day when it is also done on earth.
Heart – The Personal Application
But here’s the thing, praying for God’s will to be done, here and now, it is not only something to pray for and hope for. It is also a reality that can be true in our life. In Luke 10:11, Jesus tells the people to proclaim that “the Kingdom of God has come near.” In Luke 17:21 Jesus says that the “Kingdom of God is in your midst,” wherever Jesus draws near to us, there is the Kingdom. The Reign of God is as close as Jesus.
And in our passage, Jesus tells the people that the Kingdom “Is near at hand,” and he urges people to repent and believe the good news. What is that good news? The good news is that is that heaven is not the only place where God’s will can be fulfilled. It can also be fulfilled in our life. Even if the rest of the world is lost in darkness, falling into chaos, and destitute of goodness, our life can be a place where the goodness of God is realized.
You may be thinking to yourself, “Well, I can’t see what good one life will do when all the world is running after wickedness. What difference will one life make in such a big world?”
In Mark 4:30-32 Jesus says, “How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it? It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long, thick branches, so that it becomes like a tree, so that birds can make their nests in its shade.”
An example of a Christian who made a significant impact on the world is Mary Slessor (1848–1915), a Scottish missionary who dedicated her life to serving the people of Nigeria.
Key Contributions:
- Ending Harmful Practices:
Mary Slessor is particularly remembered for her work in stopping the practice of killing twins in parts of Nigeria. In some communities, twins were considered an omen of evil, and one or both were often killed. Mary advocated tirelessly against this practice, taking in and raising orphaned twins herself as part of her mission. - Promoting Women’s Rights and Education:
She championed the rights of women and children, often intervening in local disputes and advocating for fair treatment. Her efforts helped create a legacy of education and empowerment in the communities she served. - Cultural Sensitivity and Respect:
Unlike some missionaries of her time, Mary adopted the local Efik language and culture, earning her the respect of the communities she worked with. She lived simply, wore local clothing, and treated the people as equals, which strengthened her influence and credibility, so that others began to see her as one of their own. - Christian Service in Action:
Her life was an example of self-sacrifice and compassion. She moved to remote and dangerous areas, often battling illnesses like malaria, to spread the Gospel and provide practical aid.
Lasting Impact:
Mary Slessor’s work not only saved lives but also inspired changes in attitudes toward women, children, and traditional practices in Nigeria. Her dedication earned her the title “Mother of All the Peoples” among the communities she served.
Today, she is celebrated as a symbol of courage and compassion, demonstrating how faith can drive positive social and cultural transformation.
Hands – The Practical Application
What can you do today? How about this: when you next pray the Lord’s Prayer, stop at the line, “Thy will be done; on earth…” and ask yourself in the presence of God, in what way or in what area of my life can I allow God to answer that prayer?
How can my life be a place where the will of God is done and the goodness of God put on display for the world to see. Don’t start with your entire life, for then you are likely to get overwhelmed and change nothing. Instead, find one way in which your life can be a place where God’s will is done.
Now, if you are anything like me, you may need weeks, months, or even years of learning to yield different parts of your life to God. I want to invite you to pray The Lord’s Prayer, and when you get to the lines, Thy will be done; on earth as it is in heaven…” pause and consider just one small aspect of your life that needs to be gently nudged into alignment with God’s will. And then, just begin learning to yield that one tiny area of your life, and watch, over time, what God might do through the process of a thousand tiny steps, to transform you.