Friday, February 1, 2008

YOUR KINGDOM COME

Mark 4:30-32

"To what shall we compare the kingdom of God It is like a mustard seed (that) is the smallest of all the seeds on the earth... But once it is sown, (it) puts forth large branches, so that the birds of the sky can dwell in its shade."

When we talk about a kingdom, the images that comes into our mind is a relatively prosperous place. It is being ruled by a king dressed in lavished clothes, eating in a sumptuous feast and riding in luxurious vehicles. He is sitting in a throne made of gold, surrounded by his ministers, as entertainers dance and sing for him. He has his queen (or sometimes, queens) with him, and they would live happily ever after. This fairy tale setting is still true in some of the kingdoms in the world.

And then, there is the “Kingdom of God”.

It is a phrase used extensively in the New Testament, particularly by the writers of the Gospels. The Kingdom is described by Jesus in parables and in metaphorical terms (like a mustard seed, like a man throwing out seeds in the field) in order to evoke a thorough understanding of the greatness of God’s love and the limitless bounty of God’s grace.

Jesus is teaching us that the Kingdom of God is within our grasp if we can learn to love God with all our soul, with all our heart, and with all our mind, and to love our neighbors as our self. God’s Kingdom is less a place or an idea. It is a total commitment to love one another. It is through our love of one another that we become the people of God willing to work to bring about God’s Kingdom on the earth in the present time.

Almighty Father, reign forever in our hearts as we seek heaven and to be with You. Your holy name would constantly be uttered by our lips as we await in joyful hope for the coming of Your kingdom. We trust in You and obey You, for Your will be done, here on earth as it is in heaven.

“Your Kingdom, Your Promise -
I keep them in my heart, forever.
We repent, for it is close at hand,
As we join Your Kingdom in Heaven.”

“Your Kingdom Come, Your Will be Done on Earth as it is in Heaven”

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