BRINGING THE KINGDOM NEAR (LOVE)

Earlier this past week I spent a couple of hours with our teaching community talking about the first chapter of a great book by Jeff Medefind and Erik Lokkesmoe entitled, "The Revolutionary Communicator." (For more info: http://www.relevantstore.com/product_info.php?products_id=122). I picked up the book thinking it would present to me the magic formula for more compelling Sunday morning talks. Surpise. Big surprise. It offers a whole lot more. What I did discover was the authors present seven relational pathways that Jesus followed to impact, connect and lead people. Much to take to heart.

Chapter One is all about attentiveness. Early in the chapter they reference the words of Mother Theresa: “As far as I am concerned, the greatest suffering is to feel alone, unwanted, unloved."

When Jesus announced, "the kingdom of God is at hand," He was taking direct action to alleviate this kind of suffering. Jesus was and is, "God-with-us," and His attentiveness to others brought the kingdom of God near. And the central value that empowered His attentiveness was love: love for God and for others.

As Christ followers, we have the opportunity each and every day to announce and enact the message of love to those in our world. Love is a powerful weapon in this kingdom revolution. It has the capacity to diffuse hatred, strife, division; it builds up, encourages, and brings people together.

Bono and the boys of U2 are raising an important question within the title of their latest CD and supporting tour. It's a question every person who aspires to become a kingdom revolutionary needs to grapple with and it reflects the power of the weapons Jesus has entrusted to our care. Question: How do you dismantle an atomic bomb? Answer: With love!