Have you thought about heaven, only as a place you go to when you die? Is it a hope you’re waiting for? It definitely is that… and more. Heaven is also the life we can start living now. Heaven, apart from representing eternal life in God’s fully restored future, also represents the kind of life – the kingdom life – God has intended for us today.
Matthew 25:14-30 was a big challenge for our church community not only to wait for heaven, but live heaven today. No wonder Jesus’ parable emphasizes servants who take the responsibility and gifts their master leave them with the utmost importance. In the same way, Jesus trusts us with responsibility in his kingdom purposes (his story/gospel, his community, his mission; and of course our gifts/skills, families, relationships, time and resources).
When you ask yourself if you’re ready for the future moment when God restores all things and Jesus takes center stage, ask yourself if you’re pursuing that life today.
This quote from Dallas Willard really struck me this week:
So life in the kingdom is not just a matter of not doing what is wrong. The apprentices of Jesus are primarily occupied with the positive good that can be done during their days “under the sun” and the positive strengths and virtues that they develop in themselves as they grow toward “the kingdom prepared for them from the foundations of the world” (Matt. 25:34). What they, and God, get out of their lifetime is chiefly the person they become. And that is why their real life is so important. Dallas Willard, The Divine Conspiracy, pg. 284-285)
The final message in our series this month is a text I’ve been waiting to preach for a long time. Honestly, I was thinking about it in one way as I anticipated it… but this week’s study of it has altered my direction. I’m surprised to read what Jesus lists as a criteria for eternal life in this final word about it to his disciples. You might be surprised to. You can go ahead and read it (Matt. 25:31-46) before Sunday… and maybe you can join me in praying that God would deeply speak to our whole community about what it means for us today.
LIVE READY.
5 comments:
Dave...wow.. thank you so much.
Last weeks message was a piece of the answer I was looking for. (Was a confirmation of what I had on my heart) but reading ahead to next weeks message...WOW..
It's answered prayer to me Dave. Read Matt 25:31-46 and completly resolved the doubts I had.
WOW. Thank you.
So excited for Sunday to come.. warning..haha I might cry. (Good tears) :)
what kind of doubts did it resolve, curious
I've had Cuba on my heart lately. The urging that I have to DO something. Was looking into charitable organizations in canada I could associate with, looking into starting something on my own. But hit many roadblocks due to the immigration situation. Joel had told me that the little I had done has made a difference..and to continue on that path..We are in planning stages of a small fundraiser and another trip to bring down neccessities. As well as meeting with the pastor to see what else can be done and how.
I had felt like I needed to go big and that my bringing down clothing and necessities to strangers was not BIG enough..was not making a difference.
Nonetheless..in many ways..God keeps prompting me to go this root.
Will be in touch with you soon to let you know more as I am planning something at Terranova.. meeting with Daria next week.
I have been asking God to make things clear and to lead me.. (as I seriously thought my sobbing over a country was getting a bit crazy) And slowly He is leading me..without everything being crystal clear..and with many fears I must still resolve.. but Im trusting Him to work things out as I go along.
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