BRINGING THE KINGDOM OF GOD NEAR (FAITH)

This week I'll be sharing some thoughts on bringing the kingdom of God near.

Erwin McManus in his latest book, "The Barbarian Way" writes: "The invitation of Jesus is a revolutionary call to fight for the heart of humanity. We are called to an unconventional war using only the weapons of faith, hope and love. Nevertheless, this war is no less dangerous than any war ever fought. And for those of us, who embrace the cause of Christ, the cost to participate in the mission of God is nothing less than everything we are and everything we have."

The first words from the mouth of Jesus as found in the Gospel of Mark are these: "The time has come; the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!" (Mark 1:14-15). Jesus was declaring that in Him and through Him, God was unveiling His plan for Israel.

A large piece of this kingdom revolution was, to use NT Wright's word, "a call to become a renewed people." And so very quickly Jesus begins to invite others into this kingdom quest. Simon and Andrew, James, and John - they all abandoned their nets to follow Jesus and become the first kingdom revolutionaries. In some simple yet profound way, Simon, Andrew, James and John exhibited faith in Jesus. It is unclear as to what they truly believed about who Jesus was - but one thing was certain: they each possessed a level of confidence (faith) that indeed God was doing something unique and powerful in and through Jesus and they were compelled to be a part of it.

It is interesting to note that the first public expression of Jesus' ministry occurred in the synagogue of Capernaum. There Jesus confronted a man with an evil spirit who cried out, "What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are - the Holy One of God!" (Mark 1:24). Immediately Jesus silenced the demons and the man was delivered and liberated from their oppression. It's interesting that the first one to public declare who Jesus was, happened to be a demon. What's up with that? And why did Jesus silence them?

Jesus invites you and me to be a part of the kingdom revolution. As Erwin McManus says, it is an unconventional war fought only with the weapons of faith, hope, and love. One of the church fathers, Augustine, wrote this about the distinction between a devil's faith and the faith of a Christ follower:

"Faith is mighty, but without love it profits nothing. The devils confessed Christ, but lacking charity it availed nothing. They said, 'What do we have to do with you?' They confessed a sort of faith but without love. Hence they were devils. Do not boast of that faith that puts you on the same level with the devils."

As we ready ourselves for battle - let's check our faith and let's make sure it is a faith that is ready to work itself out in love.