Day 101 Sweeping Changes

For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Col. 1: 19-20

What is the kingdom of God like...a mustard seed, yeast? If he wanted to, God could bring in the fullness of his kingdom with a snap of His fingers....

The earth would be filled of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. Every knee would bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Justice would roll on like a mighty river, righteousness like a never-failing stream. 

 But He chooses not to do this. For some beautiful, inexplicable reason, God chooses to partner with...us... to usher in the reality of His kingdom. God doesn't need our help but -- He desires it. 

Perhaps it's because God’s Kingdom is marked by values beyond efficiency — values like freedom, trust, and patient sanctification. As Christians, we're called to be a people who live now in anticipation of the kingdom, and as we do it, we are formed into the people of God. 

Just when we delude ourselves into thinking that it is all up to us, we totally mess something up,  and God patiently helps us out.

We can't do everything, and instead of being discouraged by this, we can find great freedom! This allows us to do something, and to do it to the best of our abilities. 

We know that what we can do is small and incomplete, but it is a start: an opportunity for God’s grace to enter and to do the rest. So as you continue to work for justice in the midst of the present darkness of this world, remember that messiness comes with the territory. But every time we make a mess of the work of redemption, God is never far behind, sanctifying our efforts, steadily bringing His Kingdom, and thoroughly enjoying the process.

..... May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths, and superficial relationships so that you may live deep within your heart.
.... May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may wish for justice, freedom, and peace.
.... May God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world, so that you can do what others claim cannot be done.

....Amen.