Community: the Kingdom of God

THIS WEEK’S GOSPEL: MATTHEW 13: 31-33, 44-52 (MESSAGE)

Another story. "God's kingdom is like a pine nut that a farmer plants. It is quite small as seeds go, but in the course of years it grows into a huge pine tree, and eagles build nests in it."

Another story. "God's kingdom is like yeast that a woman works into the dough for dozens of loaves of barley bread—and waits while the dough rises."

"God's kingdom is like a treasure hidden in a field for years and then accidentally found by a trespasser. The finder is ecstatic—what a find!—and proceeds to sell everything he owns to raise money and buy that field.

"Or, God's kingdom is like a jewel merchant on the hunt for excellent pearls. Finding one that is flawless, he immediately sells everything and buys it.

"Or, God's kingdom is like a fishnet cast into the sea, catching all kinds of fish. When it is full, it is hauled onto the beach. The good fish are picked out and put in a tub; those unfit to eat are thrown away. That's how it will be when the curtain comes down on history. The angels will come and cull the bad fish and throw them in the garbage. There will be a lot of desperate complaining, but it won't do any good." Jesus asked, "Are you starting to get a handle on all this?" They answered, "Yes." He said, "Then you see how every student well-trained in God's kingdom is like the owner of a general store who can put his hands on anything you need, old or new, exactly when you need it."

How would you describe God’s kingdom? What image would you use? Would you describe it as a seed, yeast, a jewel, a great fishing trip, a entrepreneurial experience, a relationship, a kindness, a hope? Would you describe God’s kingdom as something you have experienced or something you hope to? Would you describe God’s kingdom as something within you or something outside of everyday experience? What is God’s kingdom?

Join us for a very special worship service this Sunday, July 24. With fellowship on the front porch at 9:00am and worship at 9:30am, we will discover the reality of God’s kingdom in our lives even as we say farewell to the Kaliski and Lucas-Mulligan families. Jessica Kaliski will share her talent and joy with us as she plays the Marimba as special music during the service. This will be a bittersweet Sunday as we celebrate the new adventures these families are moving toward. Following the service we will have cake and punch on the porch. We hope you join us and discover for yourself the kingdom of God in community.