The kingdom

“Then Jesus said, “What is the Kingdom of God like? How can I illustrate it? It is like a tiny mustard seed that a man planted in a garden; it grows and becomes a tree, and the birds make nests in its branches.”Luke‬ ‭13‬:‭18‬-‭19‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Salvador Persica is the name given to a mustard tree in Africa and the Middle East. In photos found on the internet birds were collecting in the tree. There was also a photo of the small seed.

Jesus likened the kingdom of God to this tree. When a small seed is planted birds are more interested in eating the seed, however, once the seed produces a tree it becomes a place of residence. The kingdom of God is a place of belonging. We can meet Christians all over the world and not speak their native language but have in common the kingdom of God. We are at once welcome.

I look out of my window and see a tree. When I first came to Kathmandu in February the tree was bare. However, perched up in the branches was a nest in which two parent birds cared for their young. As the season changed greenery adorned the branches and now many birds visit that tree either temporarily or permanently. At one time there were flowers at the top of the tree and birds came and ate the flowers.

Many people pass that tree but rarely do they stop and look. I am glad to be able to watch this kingdom in action. I am also grateful to be able to watch the kingdom of God in action. 

Healed

“One Sabbath day as Jesus was teaching in a synagogue, he saw a woman who had been crippled by an evil spirit. She had been bent double for eighteen years and was unable to stand up straight. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, “Dear woman, you are healed of your sickness!” Then he touched her, and instantly she could stand straight. How she praised God!”Luke‬ ‭13‬:‭10‬-‭13‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The religious leaders were furious that Jesus healed this woman on the Sabbath. They had missed a compassionate, greater truth. Jesus was setting a woman free from an evil spirit which had bound her for 18 years. 

Being caught up in religious performance or religious attitudes can cause us to be harsh towards those who need a touch from Jesus. Jesus showed, again and again, He was not religious. Yet, He was the Son of God. Of all people He had the right to insist on religious performance. After all, His Father had instituted the temple and worship observances given to Moses. However, Jesus came to do a relational, new thing. He showed the true heart of our God: restoration of relationships, healing of bodies, souls and spirits.

I must allow the love of God for the lost to drive me, not my opinions about how things should be done. He is doing a new thing! Amen!

One more chance

“Then Jesus told this story: “A man planted a fig tree in his garden and came again and again to see if there was any fruit on it, but he was always disappointed. Finally, he said to his gardener, ‘I’ve waited three years, and there hasn’t been a single fig! Cut it down. It’s just taking up space in the garden.’ “The gardener answered, ‘Sir, give it one more chance. Leave it another year, and I’ll give it special attention and plenty of fertilizer. If we get figs next year, fine. If not, then you can cut it down.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭13‬:‭6‬-‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

This parable comes after a discussion about people who had died suddenly. The disciples thought that those who perished were particularly bad. Jesus said,

“No, and I tell you again that unless you repent, you will perish, too.”Luke‬ ‭13‬:‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Perishing without repentance will be a particularly horrific experience. Hell is real and the eternal fires are not to be scoffed at. Jesus said it would be a place where the fires never go out and the worm never dies (Mark 9:48). If Jesus said it, it is real not a fabrication of zealous Christians.

As the time draws near for our departure, whether through our own death or the end of days, I do not have a crystal ball neither has the Lord made it known to me. However, scripture is rapidly being fulfilled. I watch the sign of the times just like you.

My prayer is: May Your kingdom come Lord, Your will be done! Amen!

Deciding what is right

““Why can’t you decide for yourselves what is right? When you are on the way to court with your accuser, try to settle the matter before you get there. Otherwise, your accuser may drag you before the judge, who will hand you over to an officer, who will throw you into prison. And if that happens, you won’t be free again until you have paid the very last penny.”Luke‬ ‭12‬:‭57‬-‭59‬ ‭NLT‬‬

In these passages Jesus is referring to verse 54-56. Here He tells them them know how to discern the weather by the signs in the sky. However, he goes on to rebuke them for not knowning the scriptures about Him.

Jesus is coming soon. We must not grow weary and complacent but have our fires buring brightly. We must be ready. Amen! 

Be Ready

““Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning, as though you were waiting for your master to return from the wedding feast. Then you will be ready to open the door and let him in the moment he arrives and knocks. The servants who are ready and waiting for his return will be rewarded. I tell you the truth, he himself will seat them, put on an apron, and serve them as they sit and eat! He may come in the middle of the night or just before dawn. But whenever he comes, he will reward the servants who are ready.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭12‬:‭35‬-‭38‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Have you ever had suprise visitors, even in the middle of the night? I do not remember having any. However, my flatmates have been very late and I have stayed up for them because I know when I first fall asleep I go into a deep sleep and cannot be awaken. 

In this scripture Jesus is telling us to be ever alert. He is coming soon. As I watch the events unfolding in the Middle East I am aware we are advancing on biblical times. However, I cannot hang up my boots and take my ease. I have work to do. I live as if He is delayed in coming even while expecting Him. For me, He could come and take me home at any time. I want to be found alert and active. Amen

Be ready!

My treasure

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need. “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom. “Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”Luke‬ ‭12‬:‭31‬-‭34‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I often wondered why the disciples sold all their possessions in the book of Acts and now I think I understand. Verse 33 gives us a hint. “Sell your possessions and give to those in need”. 

Does this mean I am to be without possessions? I am not sure it means all my possessions, as having a bed to sleep on is good, however once we become a little affluent we start buying things we think we might need, but rarely use. Going shopping just to look is deadly; going shopping for needs is prudent. Browsing shopping sites is laying a trap for ourselves.

Living in Nepal with those who know how to live with little is good for me. I do not have many of the luxurious toys here that I had in Australia. This saves money that can be better used for the gospel and others. Meeting refugees helps immensely.

The benefit to us is we will store up treasures in heaven where no one can steal and no moth destroy. I refused to buy a TV, although we were offered one. I am also refraining for purchasing a scooter as walking causes me to see people and talk to them. This life is not about my ease only but the gospel for others. Amen!

Greed

“Then he said, “Beware! Guard against every kind of greed. Life is not measured by how much you own.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭12‬:‭15‬ ‭NLT‬‬

 

This comment Jesus made was a part of a teaching on money and greed. A man in the crowd tried to enlist Jesus’ help to force the man’s brother to share the inheritance. Jesus said, “who caused me to be a judge over you?” He then went on to teach about greed.

Our world today is all about how much we have: money in the bank, money in superannuation; homes and cars; jewellery etc. however, God is looking for hearts rich towards Him. Today I had lunch with three refugees from Pakistan. Although they have secured visas to Canada and work in Canada, Nepal will not let them go claiming they owe the government here money. One couple have been detained for 8 years and supposedly owe $80,000. They are still refused permission to leave. This is cruel!

Nepal has a big problem with a greed for money. It is sad but true. Churches have even forsaken the right path to follow after one that provides money. Sons and daughters are caught in Arabian countires working to provide money for their families who either won’t or cannot work themselves. Many long to return home.

We cannot allow greed to rule. We must trust God for His path for us. Amen!