By Michelle Hoffschneider
Throughout the New Testament, we hear Jesus talk about the Kingdom of Heaven:
Matt 13:24 “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field.
Matt 13:31 “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed.
Matt 13:33 “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven.
Matt 13:44 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field.
Matt 13:45 “The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls.
The list continues on and gets a little more in-depth…
Jesus said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you” -Luke 17:20-21
So, where and what is the Kingdom of Heaven? Is it a physical place? Is it a metaphor? This may feel like a never-ending question and ongoing scholarly debate.
What if the Kingdom of Heaven is really the heart and mind of Jesus? It isn’t a place you go to, but a place you come from. [1]
Read that again.
What does this look like?
Where do you want to “come from” each day?
Imagine this Jesus centered, life-giving overflow fueling your Kingdom-first priorities and your love for others – those you like and love and those you don’t.
Pause and pray.
Heavenly Father, the vastness of your Kingdom is beyond our understanding. Help me be a bold and beautiful ambassador committed to love. Position my heart to be pleasing to you and a blessing to those I encounter. Amen.
References:
[1] See Jim Marion, Putting on the Mind of Christ: The Inner Work of Christian Spirituality (Hampton Roads Publishing Company: 2000; 2nd ed., 2011).
Brenda Jank and the Run Hard. Rest Well. team are thought leaders in the arena of Restorative Wellness. Find additional resources at www.RunHardRestWell.org. Contact us at: Brenda@runhardrestwell.org
This is such a good reminder. I heard a preaching on the Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure found in a field. The preacher mentioned that the whole field was bought, not just the place where the treasure was found. Jesus comes to buy the whole field, even those who might appear worthless or those who don’t really care.