The Cost of the Kingdom
Sermon Note:
Instead of a sermon this week, we were invited into a time of reflection around the words of Isaiah 58. Click on the image above to play the video. Special thanks to Nathan Carroll for reading the passage. The music is “Most Merciful God” by Chris Pearce (© RESOUNDworship.org, C.C.L.I. Licence #147254).
Scripture: Mark 1:14-15
Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news.”
Scripture: Matthew 13:44-46
“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which someone found and hid; then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.”
Looking to Sunday
by Elaine Poproski
The kingdom of God is like a treasure. The kingdom of God is like a valuable pearl. The kingdom of God is like…
“God’s home is now among His people! He will live with them, and they will be His people. God Himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever” (Rev. 21:3-4).
I long for God’s kingdom to come, for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. (Matt. 6:10)
I pray. I lament. I cry out.
But do I also confess? Do I also acknowledge that I am to blame? Am I willing to do the hard work of turning away from the sin in me that causes and contributes to the pain, crying, sorrow, and even death of others? I hope so.
On Sunday we’ll be spending some time with Isaiah 58. It’s a powerful passage of confrontation. It’s God speaking to His people, calling them on their misplaced priorities, challenging them to own their hypocrisy and get back to the business of being God’s people. It’s a reminder of the character, the beauty, and the value of God’s kingdom. It’s the promise of God’s unending grace and hope for those who want to truly be citizens of His kingdom.
On Sunday we’ll also be participating in Communion together. Communion is a tangible act of participation in God’s kingdom in that it is an act of identification with Jesus, in whom the kingdom came. It’s a reminder of the cost of entry into God’s kingdom. As you prepare for Sunday, as you prepare your bread and juice (or whatever symbolic elements you choose to use), perhaps spend some time reflecting on the price Jesus paid for us to become citizens of God’s kingdom; perhaps spend some time reflecting on what price you are willing to pay to be part of God’s kingdom.