Has Anyone Seen the Kingdom?

Mark 8:34-9:1

To borrow a line from my friend Nancy Taylor’s blog, “Hmmm…” (http://hmmm-revnancy.blogspot.com/). Here’s what Jesus says in our gospel reading for today. “And he said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see that the kingdom of God has come with power’” (Mark 9:1). Really? Hmmm… The world is in as big a mess now as ever. So where the heck is the kingdom?

Of course, it’s a trick question. The kingdom of God is right where it has been since Jesus’ ministry began: here in our midst. As is so often the case with issues of faith, it’s all in your perspective. Has the kingdom of God reached it’s full extent? No, of course not. Is it already taking shape? Yes, in a multitude of significant ways, all of which may be the size of a mustard seed (however big that is), but which are life changing nonetheless. It is not always appropriate to mix gospels references but in this case I think it is helpful to turn to John 1:5. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.” Indeed, a small glimmer of light can push back all darkness, for where there is any light, darkness ceases to be. So it is with grace, or with God’s will. In the light of Jesus Christ the darkness of evil has been overcome once and for all. And the light will continue to grow, slowly but steadily.

As I write these words I keep in mind the many people from other parts of the world who have read this blog. As a North American I realize that I live in circumstances that affect my worldview. For me to say that grace abounds is perhaps of less significance than it would be for many of you. Perhaps some of you will respond to this posting with your own perspective. But I wish to affirm my faith in the work that God is doing throughout the world, wherever the darkness is receding and the light is dawning, wherever the hungry are fed, wherever the weak are tended to, wherever the poor are provided for, wherever the disheartened are encouraged. It is in these places where the kingdom of God has become most visible, most powerful, most active.

Has anyone seen the kingdom? Yes. I have seen it and felt it. And so have many of you. It is what pushes us forward and allows us to stand, even in the face of hardship or distress.

Prayer: Thanks be to you, O Lord, for all you do in our midst, and for the dawning of your kingdom which brings grace to bear in our world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.