You Are the Equipment

Good morning, Loved Ones,

Lately I've been reading a book by Lesslie Newbigin called The Gospel in a Pluralist Society. I've been captured by his discussion of both election and the nearness of the Kingdom of God. In short, he explains God's election or choosing of us not as an opportunity to lounge and revel in God's favor, but intead as an election or choosing to responsibility. The responsibility is to share the Message. We are elected primarily for the purpose of sharing. About the nearness of the Kingdom of God, Newbigin emphasizes the nearness as spatial. God's Kingdom is spatially close. There is a thin veil that seperates us from the Kingdom. God's Spirit breaks through the veil to us to reveal that hidden Kingdom to us. Perhaps you have had one of those moments this week -- a moment when the Kingdom was within reach.

Here is your passage for the week.

Matthew 10 (The Message)

^5-8Jesus sent his twelve harvest hands out with this charge:

"Don't begin by traveling to some far-off place to convert unbelievers. And don't try to be dramatic by tackling some public enemy. Go to the lost, confused people right here in the neighborhood. Tell them that the kingdom is here. Bring health to the sick. Raise the dead. Touch the untouchables. Kick out the demons. You have been treated generously, so live generously.

^9-10"Don't think you have to put on a fund-raising campaign before you start. You don't need a lot of equipment. You are the equipment, and all you need to keep that going is three meals a day. Travel light."

I give thanks for . . .

. . . my mother and the many mothers who were honored in church Sunday. A loving parent can be our first revelation of the love of God.
. . . the fathers and children who kicked open the veil to the Kingdom by cooking and serving a delicious meal to the mothers on Sunday.
. . . the KU architecture students who have built a state-of-the-art, energy efficient home next to the church. Open house on Saturday 10-3.
. . . the communtities of Conception, Conception Junction and Clyde who are embarking on a journey of hope with Public Square Communities. In our meeting with them on Monday night there were moments when the Kingdom was very near.
. . . my sons, Sam and Lucas. Sam has returned from his border studies program full of his usual energy and with a greater sense of the need for action to correct the injustices he saw. Lucas is energetically tackling the challenges of being an full IB student. His courage in taking on this demanding course is inspiring.

The Kingdom is near. You have been chosen to share. Give thanks, live generously and gimme cinco!

Pastor Rick
http://gimmecinco.blogspot.com/