“The kingdom of heaven is like . . .”
The following is the text of the sermon I preached at the 8.00am Holy Communion service on Sunday, 27 July; at Church — St Mary the Virgin, Godmanchester.
“The kingdom of heaven is like . . .”
Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52
May I speak in the name of the living God, who is Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Amen.
Longing for change
“The kingdom of heaven is like . . . ” — I wonder what Jesus’s disciples would’ve thought when they first heard him say those words? I wonder what they would’ve hoped to hear? They were probably longing for a change in the political scene of their country, and most likely hoping that Jesus, who they thought of as the promised Messiah, was going to instigate such a change.
Their nation had been oppressed for hundreds of years; occupied by Persians, Greeks, and now Romans. They’re desperate for political and radical change, to bring them freedom from that oppression. And they long for the kingdom of heaven.
“The kingdom of heaven is like . . .” — We’re fortunate to be living in a country that has a good government. Yes, I know there are many that would want to question that statement. But in comparison to many places around the world, we are living under a good government. There are places where the people are longing for freedom from government oppression, and the hope of a better life, just as those disciples did two thousand years ago. Think, for instance, of recent events in Zimbabwe, or of the protests in Tibet, or of those in the camps of Darfur, longing for a new regime that will give them protection and a livelihood.
What kingdom means
“The kingdom of heaven is like . . .” — Over the years we’ve lost some of the sense of what “kingdom” means. Jesus would’ve used it to convey a sense of authority, that our royalty just don’t have. He would’ve meant it more in the way we might think of “the government of heaven”, or “God’s presidency”, or even “God’s regime”. Jesus is saying, “This is what it’s like when God’s in control”.
Now the disciples have an idea in their minds what they think “the kingdom of heaven” means. They’re looking for that day when God will sweep the Romans out, and bring in his own political agenda, with liberation, dignity and prosperity for all in their land. And they’re expecting it to start with Jesus. So when Jesus uses this phrase, “the kingdom of heaven”, he’s entering political territory.
God in control
“The kingdom of heaven is like . . .” — Jesus is speaking to people longing for political change. And now he goes on to paint some pictures of what it’s really like, when God is in control.
God in control is like a mustard seed, starting small but growing large. This isn’t going to be a dramatic confrontation with the governing authorities; but it’ll be an organic growth of power.
God in control is like yeast in flour. This would’ve been a really radical thought for the Jews, because they thought of yeast, or leaven, as something corrupt. So this is a government that corrupts society; working its way into all areas until its influence becomes clear, rather than being imposed from outside.
God in control is like a man selling all he has, to buy a field with treasure in it, or a pearl of great value. There’s happiness in this but it comes at a price; it comes from being ready to give everything in the process.
God in control is like a dragnet catching good and bad fish, holding them together until they’re sorted. This is the kingdom that holds good and bad together, until the end of the age.
A different kingdom
“The kingdom of heaven is like . . .” — They weren’t hearing what a first century Jew, living in occupied Judea, was hoping to hear. And neither is it the kind of kingdom those living in the Darfur camps are hoping for, or those protesting in Tibet, or living under oppression in Zimbabwe.
Jesus speaks of God’s control starting small, and working secretly within — where they want a regime change. Jesus tells of God’s rule demanding everything of his followers, and yet not differentiating between good and bad — where they want their oppressors out. What kind of dawn of a new government can this be? What kind of relief from oppression is this?
God’s government is different
But that’s the point, isn’t it? This is what it’s like when God’s in control, not men and women. We so often think an overthrow of a regime will change the world for good. But there’ve been many times a new ruler has been cheered on, only to find the reality cruelly different. Robert Mugabe became the darling of black Africa’s anti-colonial struggle after being elected as prime minister in March 1980 — how things have changed?
The disciples will soon realize that God’s government is different. God crowns his king on a cross: a seed as small as a mustard seed winning forgiveness for our sins. The Holy Spirit pervades with the yeast of godliness. Jesus gives up everything for us, as if we are his treasure or his fine pearl, and in doing so shows God’s love to each one of us, even though good and bad is held together in our lives.
Fundamental transformation
“The kingdom of heaven is like . . .” — This kingdom is no superficial change of one regime for another. This kingdom is a fundamental transformation; with people being changed in hearts, attitudes and minds by the gospel of Christ. And through the change in them, going on to change the world they live in. That’s what we see in the disciples after Pentecost, and we see it today.
What seeds are even now being planted in places like Darfur, and Tibet, and Zimbabwe? What yeast is today working through believers to make the kingdom of heaven visible in those places?
And us?
And here’s an amazing truth: The kingdom of heaven is like . . .you . . . and me? If we’re asking to be changed by the gospel, seriously trying to live by the will of God, we can say it’s true. We are people of his kingdom.
The most radical change of government the world can ever see, is when someone submits their life to God’s control. And the kingdom is growing — person-by-person, and heart-by-heart — and the world is changing as a result.
Do you long for a change of government? Do you want to see the kingdom of heaven? It begins with our lives being truly given to God. And, through that, changing the world.
Amen
Tags: Heaven, Kingdom, Love, Ordinary Time, Sermon, Social Justice
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