The Kingdom of Heaven is Among You

There is an old legend about a blacksmith whose time on earth was at an end. God sent an angel to carry him to heaven, but to the angel’s surprise, the smith refused to go. He did not want to appear to be ungrateful and was looking forward to having a place in God’s kingdom, but he asked if could simply put it off for a while. He reasoned with the angel that he was the only blacksmith in the village. It was time for all his neighbors to begin their spring planting, and he certainly would be needed. 

God heard the man’s case and agreed.

After the harvest, the angel returned to bring the blacksmith to heaven. But again the smith asked that his return to God be postponed. “I have a neighbor who is very ill and needs my help. Please tell God, ‘Thank you for his blessings, but please, come for me later.’” So the angel left. 

This went on for some time. Every time the angel would come to bring the faithful blacksmith to heaven, the smith would shake his head and explain to the angel that he was still needed by someone on earth. 

The day finally came when the blacksmith was very old and weary. The angel appeared, and the man said, “If you still want to take me home, I’m ready to live forever in God’s kingdom.” 

The angel smiled at the blacksmith, “Where do you think you have been these years?”

I think this is what Jesus meant when he told his disciples, “The kingdom of heaven is among you.” They had been out in their own communities teaching, healing, loving, and giving.

When we serve others, God’s kingdom is at hand. And indeed, blessings abound!

Let us pray: Almighty and Eternal God, we thank you for your presence – your reign among us. Continue to tune our hearts to your heart. By the way that we live, by the way that we speak, by the way that we love and give, may we join your Kingdom work – here on earth. Amen.