Richard Mallory

Dear Friends of Christ,

With alarm, Jesus withdraws further from Jerusalem’s environs with the news that his cousin and possible mentor has been arrested. He has a retreat to gather himself for challenges ahead. Matthew quotes his Hebrew Scripture to frame what Jesus is about to release out into the world which is none other than light itself. An answer has arrived. There is light for those who live in “the shadow of death,” for the reign of God “has come near.”

It’s not fully here but near enough to matter. He seeks students for his enterprise and probably has already made a list of potential ones. He turns first to fishermen.

Ciscero claimed that one of the most shameful occupations was anything to do with fishing. Was Jesus partly thinking that these who might have internalized shame and inferiority would be more receptive to his message?

Since Caesar owned the lake, the Sea of Galilee, the finest catch was sent to Rome. Local fishermen would be left with the skimpy fish to sell or feed their families. The ways of empire were deathly and dehumanizing.

The first four men to sign on with Jesus did so, seemingly, without hesitation. This does not mean that they never fished again for they had bills to pay and mouths to feed. They did sense something in this man. Perhaps they sensed an awaiting adventure that would energize and touch the depths of their souls.   

Rome had already defined “good news” as the latest announcement of wars won and lands annexed. The early Christians said, “Not so fast, Caesar, the evangelion Is just the opposite.”

A new kind of community is being created and born into the world which brings life and not death. This “kingdom,” as N.T.Wright posits, is not our “escape from this world into another one but to God’s sovereign rule coming on earth as it is in heaven.” God’s realm is at hand for the alternative community. God’s politics. Not Caesar’s.  

Can you sense when you are getting closer to God’s ways, God’s realm, God’s kingdom? You do when you know you are accepted. That you belong. That you are cherished. That you are set free to give this grace to others. Free.

Those students did not get this down pat right away. It took time as it does for us. I’ll take a dose of that” kingdom coming near” any day of the week. How about you?

Your fellow traveler,

—Richard