Mark 1:14-15 Now after John was arrested, Jesus came to Galilee proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near: repent, and believe in the good news.”
Between the election difficulties and the continuing virus pandemic, we are all looking for some good news. John Wesley, who seems to be referenced quite a bit by us Methodists, understood the kingdom of God as a condition of the soul rather than a political entity. His famous public declaration that his heart was “strangely warmed” at Aldersgate witnesses to his personal experience of the kingdom of God.
As election decisions become finalized, all of us will be making adjustments. I want to share a couple of statements that have helped me consider how I might evolve my stance. Everywhere there are people who never lose hope that the values they learned in the best of times or the courage it takes to reclaim their world from the worst of times are worth the commitment of their lives. We must make “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34) the foundation of national respect, the standard of our national discernment, the bedrock of both our personal relationships and a civilized society.” —Joan Chittister”
I felt a stirring when I read these two conclusions shared by Joan Chittister. A renewed encouragement that hope, courage, commitment and love really matter; that they form the basis for overcoming separations, and will help finding ways to be reconciled to shared values and aspirations. This encouragement is a condition of our souls, but will certainly affect the political entity in which we live.
Lead On, O Cloud of Presence v. 3
Lead on, O God of freedom, and guide us on our way,
And help us trust the promise through struggle and delay.
We pray our sons and daughters may journey to that land
where justice dwells with mercy, and love is law’s demand.
God of all, help us all find your presence and be enabled to welcome your kingdom. Help us to come together as your children making your kingdom a reality for others as well as ourselves. May all that we do follow the example of Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Pastor David