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
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