The Kingdom of God
“My kingdom is not of this world.” —John 18.36
The last Sunday of the church year is tomorrow, and we call it Christ the King Sunday. The readings emphasize the difference between the Kingdom of God (which is ushered in with the season of Advent) and the kingdom of man.
The story of Pontius Pilate, governor of the Roman province of Judea, who is charged with presiding over the trial of Jesus is told in the gospel of John in the reading appointed for tomorrow. Pilate only knows a kingdom of military might and human institution. And he knows that anyone who claims kingship without Roman permission commits insurrection and treason. Jesus makes it very clear to Pilate that his "kingdom is not from this world." But Pilate cannot comprehend. Even though the Truth stands right in front of him, Pilate cannot see it.
Pastor Steve the author of Unfolding Light offered this beautiful prayer poem this week. It is one you might reflect on, pondering what a kingdom not of this world looks like for you. My favorite line here is "It is the Domain of Grace whose law is mercy."
What is yours?
What is a kingdom not of this world?
The breath that passes through you,
whose borders exceed all nations;
the wisdom of your immune system,
whose ancient traditions never die;
the family you belong to, the tribe
that spans the globe and runs in your veins.
It is the Domain of Grace
whose law is mercy;
the love that is given
in which we live,
more real than earthly jurisdictions,
more present than emperors and armies.
It is a place of serenity that resists all chaos,
impervious to fear and anger’s noise.
It is the Land of Belonging
from which you can never be exiled,
for it is within you, and among us all;
the place the enemy can never find,
the fabric no ruler can tear,
the oneness that can’t be undone.
That realm is where you live,
if only you remember.
Click below to listen to Pastor Steve read and to subscribe to his daily messages.
Comments