Anyone concerned about Brexit? A hard border in Ireland, or between the US and Mexico, unsettling news from Russia, China, N Korea…?
Psalm 82 expresses frustration over poor human government, those who are given almost godlike responsibility but fail to defend the vulnerable, showing favour instead to ruthless oppressors. In the last verse the writer cries out in desperate prayer for God to judge in earthly affairs, as we seem to be making such a bad job of it!
Jesus spoke a great deal about a ‘kingdom of God/kingdom of heaven’, not limited by ethnic, economic or political boundaries but having positive impact universally. It is a spiritual kingdom of people from all backgrounds whose hearts and whole outlook are being renewed by the love of God in Jesus.
Reconciled to our Maker, we appreciate His generous sacrifice to rescue us from self-destruction. More, we are growing to share His respectful joy in the natural environment, all created life, most especially His unprejudiced love for our fellow human beings.
Frustrated as we often are at the state of things presently, we are inspired by the Biblical promise of a coming age of restoration, righteousness and peace. We try to make choices that anticipate that time. Far from abandoning our communities, we pay our taxes and pray for our leaders and contribute cheerfully our time and talents to making things as fair and good as possible for everyone.
Such an attitude contributes to a culture that is both reverent and celebratory that may make policy-making and governing much easier! But it goes beyond that, bringing a vision and fragrance of heaven.
‘Every time we forgive our neighbour, every time we make a child smile, every time we show compassion to a suffering person, every time we arrange a bouquet of flowers, offer care to tame or wild animals, prevent pollution, create beauty in our homes and gardens, and work for peace and justice among peoples and nations we are making the vision come true…
Instead of making us escape real life, this beautiful vision gets us involved.’ (Henri Nouwen)
Psalm 82 expresses frustration over poor human government, those who are given almost godlike responsibility but fail to defend the vulnerable, showing favour instead to ruthless oppressors. In the last verse the writer cries out in desperate prayer for God to judge in earthly affairs, as we seem to be making such a bad job of it!
Jesus spoke a great deal about a ‘kingdom of God/kingdom of heaven’, not limited by ethnic, economic or political boundaries but having positive impact universally. It is a spiritual kingdom of people from all backgrounds whose hearts and whole outlook are being renewed by the love of God in Jesus.
Reconciled to our Maker, we appreciate His generous sacrifice to rescue us from self-destruction. More, we are growing to share His respectful joy in the natural environment, all created life, most especially His unprejudiced love for our fellow human beings.
Frustrated as we often are at the state of things presently, we are inspired by the Biblical promise of a coming age of restoration, righteousness and peace. We try to make choices that anticipate that time. Far from abandoning our communities, we pay our taxes and pray for our leaders and contribute cheerfully our time and talents to making things as fair and good as possible for everyone.
Such an attitude contributes to a culture that is both reverent and celebratory that may make policy-making and governing much easier! But it goes beyond that, bringing a vision and fragrance of heaven.
‘Every time we forgive our neighbour, every time we make a child smile, every time we show compassion to a suffering person, every time we arrange a bouquet of flowers, offer care to tame or wild animals, prevent pollution, create beauty in our homes and gardens, and work for peace and justice among peoples and nations we are making the vision come true…
Instead of making us escape real life, this beautiful vision gets us involved.’ (Henri Nouwen)
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