Giving It All Up for the Kingdom

Two short parables from Jesus

Have you ever wanted something so badly as what is described in these two short parables? They really are pointed illustrations of the desirability of the kingdom.

But we should take care to note that many things in life are within the kingdom. Or, at least, our effort toward many things in life - the Church, family, vocation, creation, etc. - is within our striving to serve Christ in his kingdom.

I recently talked with a woman who told me her story. She was a leading executive for a very influential international bank. She lived in a six bedroom house, commanded all sorts of respect and authority, and was set for life financially. When she heard a call to help lead an organization dedicated to coming along side immigrants in finding their way, she prayed about it - for a while, actually - and then decided with her husband to take on the ministry. So they left the comfort of her job, home, and country of origin, moved across the world to a country foreign to them, and into a trailer on the grounds of the ministry where they serve a small, rural town of 3100 people.

The kingdom of heaven is like…

Matthew 13:44-46

“The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure that somebody hid in a field, which someone else found and covered up. Full of joy, the finder sold everything and bought that field.

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls. When he found one very precious pearl, he went and sold all that he owned and bought it.

Prayer

God,

Give us such abandon for your kingdom that we know no other desire but love. Even so, keep me from putting blinders on. At least, keep me from putting on blinders to the things of the kingdom! I don’t want to be one of those Christians who misses the forest for the trees. Do keep me focused on the right things such that I don’t get lost in it all. But give me such a perspective as though I don’t miss the opportunities and responsibilities brought my way.

Simply: fill me with the hopeful desire to serve.

By your spirit & in Christ,
Amen.