Sherry Sterling

Dear friends,

During and after our recent election, I found myself alarmed by the apocalyptic-level pitch of the warnings from both parties. Threats of World War III, economic collapse, the end of democracy, and many more. They’re scary, and they’re intended to be.

The scripture readings for today are also filled with warnings. But instead of outward scare tactics, these warnings deal with our inner being and how others are impacted by us.

In today’s gospel reading, the Pharisees ask Jesus when the kingdom of God is coming. Certainly apocalyptic fodder for some. They were looking for military might, to secure independence from Rome. They were focused on establishing external governmental structure, here on earth. Jesus’ answer steers them back to matters of the heart:

Jesus told them, “The kingdom of God is not coming with things that can be observed; nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There it is!’ For, in fact, the kingdom of God is within you.'” —Luke 17: 20-21

In Jesus’s usual way, he turns things upside down from what we’re expecting. He speaks to the heart of our lives. Jesus’ teaching is not scary. It’s inviting. His warnings are to draw us near in love, not control by fear.

One commentator on this passage, Matthew Henry, posits: “The design of the setting up of Christ’s kingdom was not to make one nation great, but to make all nations good.” If that’s so, then the goodness comes from God through each one of us.

Perhaps the “design” is not necessarily even about earthly nations, but each person’s nature. Perhaps the design of Christ’s kingdom is to bring true goodness and healing love to the life we’re participating in now. Change from the bottom up, rather than the top down. Isn’t that revolutionary?

Jesus invites us to look within, have honest “come-to-Jesus moments,” and allow them to impact how we live beyond ourselves, in how we treat those around us.

The kingdom of God is here, among us, now. Let’s join together in thinking about how we’re reflecting that reality.

Peace and love,

—Sherry