BLOG 6.21.19. “THY KINGDOM COME” IS RADICAL STUFF
For these coming weeks, we are going to be deluged with political rhetoric, often confusing and difficult to evaluate. One thing is for certain and that for the people of God’s new humanity to pray: “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done,” is to pray a prayer that is radical to the core. For starts, God’s kingdom, God’s new creation, transcends any kind of nationalism. God’s kingdom consists of those from every kindred and tribe and nation. God’s kingdom people dwell among the 70+ million homeless refugees across the globe. It exists often in hostile cultures, and unexpected scenes. But more than all of that it is totally trans-national and unbelievably inclusive.
To pray “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done” is a prayer that makes socialism look tame. God’s kingdom people are those who hear the word and teachings of Christ … and do them. They are those who, when they have two coats, give one to someone who has none. They are those who take the homeless refugees into their home, and visit those who are unjustly imprisoned. They are those, who by virtue of their baptismal vows, are committed to living a radical new kind of life, thinking, behaving, hoping, conceiving, and rejoicing, … even when it cost them their lives. Theirs is a calling to the ministry of foot-washing, that humbling ministry of caring for the physical needs of others.
But, … it certainly is not a calling to make America great again. America will be a great force for justice and peace and order when its policies come into closer proximity to the ethical principles espoused in its sacred teachings from the beginning, in the teaching given to the Jews and underscored by the prophets when they became forgetful. It is the teachings which are contained in the teachings of Jesus, and demonstrated in his life and ministry.
It is against these radical teachings of God’s new creation that we much evaluate the political viability of the candidates, and by their lives have been practitioners of those with some integrity: poverty, unjust wages, care of the environment as stewards of God’s creation, of provision for the needs of 70+ million refugees, and the implantation of those principles of peacemaking and justice that are taught in holy scriptures.
It is one thing to say Christian words, but it is quite another to be practitioners.
God, give us wisdom, and make us strong to do your will. Make us instruments of your peace.
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