The Kingdom of Heaven

I remember many years ago now, talking to Rev. Do In Kim about the possibility of his Korean New Church Development nesting with the church where I was serving. We spent some time reflecting on all the difficulties and details of how to make that work – two very different cultures and communities sharing space at much of the same time. Just as I was beginning to feel frustrated, he asked, “Joe, what do you think the Kingdom of Heaven is going to be like?”

I could picture people who looked a lot like me, and people who I knew and loved. And I could picture people who looked a lot different than me – and who sounded different. (Like the Korean and Mexican churches I’ve attended, and even the Pentecostals down the street).  And then, I thought about the God who I know in Jesus… and I had to imagine there would be people who I’d never expect… people who believe very differently from me and who think differently… And somehow, we would sit at the table together. 

It’s a beautiful vision. Do In reminded me, every week we pray: Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven…. Every week we pray this….

It is a beautiful vision. A vision that God set before us long ago. A vision that Jesus affirmed when he taught us to love our neighbors and when prayed that we would live as one (John 17).  

My prayer today is that you and I would find ways even now, to live into this vision.

Let us pray: We recognize, O God, that there are some powerful forces at work in this world seeking to divide us. Empower us to be the kind of people who build bridges and who show forth your love, in Jesus’ name. Amen.