You can never see what you have never been told to look for...

"In My Father's house, there are many rooms..." Jesus

Gratitude -
1. A warm home to come home too when it is cold outside...
2. Oti's new grandson - Ethan, and his big brother Michael
3. Being able to follow the progress of my friends receiving treatment for cancer, so far away - prayers for all of you and your families!
4. Spending the afternoon with Beth looking at antiques - most items older than the two of us...
5. Finishing a big task - even if it was on wing and by prayer!

The Kingdom of God is the metaphor Jesus used for who is included in God's grace and who is beloved. The is not a kingdom of stone or place, but within all creation. He is not talking about an afterlife either, as so often is taught - 'just get right with God and then you can die peacefully!'

No He is talking about a way of seeing and being in the present moment - a world without human kingdoms, ethnic communities, national boundaries, or social identifications. That is about as subversive as you can be.

Jesus also told a story about sheep and goats - indicating that one day there would be some type of judgement. That has caused fear and dread for some of us for a long time. However, I believe there is much more 'hopefulness' in that picture than most of us realize...

Jesus plainly states that this is the Father's business! There is no indication that we should ever worry or fear or be concerned about which of our brothers/sisters are in or out - just invite everyone to the banquet!

We are to draw circles AROUND everyone and not be exclusive. The question must be for every Christian: how do we make our story known without sounding like we are in and another is out - winners and losers?

Recently I had the opportunity to be interviewed by a local writer regarding differing religious groups in our area. Some are very exclusive: you must quote certain scripture, or you must follow certain rituals, or you must keep away from certain people, then you can belong and be assured of God's love...

St. Peter had a dream on a house top; an experience that changed his life and ministry forever. The dream said to him - go to EVERYONE - and tell the good news that God is on their side - NOT go ask them how much scripture they can quote or if they are vegetarians!

In other words, when Jesus said that God would take care of judgement, that got us off the hook. Who are we to judge who is getting it right or wrong? Who are we to say who is in and who is out? Who are we to point fingers?

I believe Christians should not be in the business of saying who will be a winner and who will be a loser!

When Jesus said that it 'rains on the just and unjust' - when Jesus said that we should not worry about 'the practices of others who speak in a different way' - 'he that is far us, cannot be against us'. He is saying that we need to fight and run away from dualistic thinking.

PRAYER - God may I this day not leave anyone out of Your grace and mercy. As I have so richly received, may I give and forgive.

THROUGH CHRIST AND IN CHRIST -

AMEN