One of the most remarkable truths that Jesus taught is the unexpected hiddenness of the kingdom of God. Jesus made clear that the kingdom of God was going to save and rescue this world precisely by virtue of its being so very different from the powerful, flashy, showy political kingdoms which otherwise capture our attention.
The kingdom of God, Jesus said, looks small, even tiny. It looks foolish. In fact, the kingdom can even disappear completely the way a seed gets buried in the soil. It takes 750 mustard seeds to equal one gram. Drop one of those little wisps into the dirt and you won't even be able to see it. The same is true of yeast in dough: once it's mixed into the water, flour, and oil, the yeast disappears—you could not separate it back out again (much less locate it) if you tried. Yet these tiny things have great effects.
The kingdom is not what you expect in terms of political clout. The kingdom of God is not about gleaming capital cities studded with marble colonnades and soaring executive mansions. It's not about some fierce army plowing under opposition by sheer dint of its power. Compared to all of that, God's kingdom looks as insignificant as a grain of mustard or a packet of dry yeast. But the kingdom can change hearts. It can change the world. It has changed the world. So how many life changing moments have you had recently?
A grieving widow had received an invitation to drive to Vermont to visit her kids and grandkids but she never made this trip alone. Some friends from Boston were visiting and offered to drive home part of the way. However, their plans changed so our dear friend was faced with the decision to make the drive alone. She found the courage only to discover that her kids had to get back to work on Tuesday. It appeared she make the trip for nothing. But it seemed her older brother who lived in a nearby town caught wind that his sister was stranded. Instead, he took himself out of work and invited his older sister to go hiking in the Vermont mountain trails. This spontaneous act of kindness brought much joy and healing to his grieving sister. She enjoyed great comfort from her brother who took note of his sister’s grief. She described her adventure as a great relief and enjoyed taking their daypacks and hiking 4-6 miles a day. On the trail they just talked about everything and she never felt lonely or sad.
The kingdom simply means we find ourselves in a moment in which we might be asked to do the impossible-like take the extra days to spend with a family member, or go walk the dog or help a neighbor shop for groceries. The kingdom is here but it's modest. It's hidden. It's quiet.
The kingdom of God turns out to be utterly surprising in nature. How many times do I walk into the woods and get a glimpse of nature that I never noticed before. But you have to go slow and not be in a hurry. But once you embrace this quiet moment of bliss, you have accepted the invitation to live in a kingdom lifestyle. To do so becomes very contagious to those around us, which is why I can’t wait to start taking folks with me on journeys into the woods.
Immanuel watches over us as we reflect: And a highway will be there, it will be called the Way of Holiness; it will be for those who walk on that Way.” (Isaish 35:8).
Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends who extend themselves to be quiet acts of your loving faithfulness. Help us to let the Kingdom grow and leaven in its own quiet, humble way so that people’s hearts will be changed by our gestures of acceptance and openness. Special thanks to all our Sonshine nurses who care for the sick and bring a special blessing and healing to all their patients and family members. You are the best!
