The Counter Culture Kingdom

I had been looking at the box for a couple of weeks and it was huge. The gift inside was indeed huge so I thought all would be well. I have learned when you get a small box that contains a big item, you should worry. But a big box with a big item, no worries! So, when Eliot and I were about to start working on the Barbie Camper Van at 10:00pm on Christmas Eve, I was not worried. Then we opened the box, and I saw 88 screws and a thousand small pieces, plus decals, and I wanted to throw up. Two hours later, after much travail, there it was, in all its pink glory—The Barbie Camper Van!As a parent starting all over again with a little daughter, I knew that breaking out a Power Wheels-type toy would change things forever­—ushering in a new phase of parenting–and indeed it has. After a couple of weeks, I realized what Addison really needed was a vehicle with 4-wheel drive. Who needs concrete and asphalt when you can drive over rocks and roots, riding hell-bent for leather! Things will never be the same.This week we have a similar experience when we start looking at the sayings and teachings of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew. We will pick up the Story this Sunday as we look at Jesus’ opening words about what he is all about. He actually says as much when he starts. He announces that he is here to inaugurate a new kingdom, a new administration, and a new way of doing things. He moves to the mountains and starts out with the Beatitudes. Have you read them lately? Have you pondered the words of Jesus about life in this new kingdom? Well, let me just say this, every kingdom that has ever been is sort of a variation of the same old thing. What Jesus proposes is a kingdom that is unlike any kingdom the world has ever seen: it is a counter-culture kingdom. It is a grace kingdom. This Sunday we will start our journey through Matthew’s Gospel. I can’t wait!Oh, and don’t forget: Next Sunday we will dedicate our new building!Blessings,Jim