I'm reflecting back on the warm nostalgia that viewing Fred Roger's classic neighborhood television show opener brought to us in church yesterday. The imaginary neighborhood portrayed in the popular children's series bore little resemblance to the harsh reality of modern-day neighborhoods. But, the intent most likely was to portray how things ultimately could be rather than how they are.
I'm intrigued by thinking of the kingdom of God as the ideal neighborhood. Zechariah the prophet portrays an idyllic existence, largely centered on the streets of Jerusalem:
"Thus says the LORD of hosts, 'Old men and old women will again sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each man with his staff in his hand because of age. And the streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls playing in its streets.' (Zechariah 8:4-5)
This reference to mortals, old and young, seems to indicate that the setting is the millennial kingdom, ruled by Christ and resurrected immortals (you and I). In this kingdom of God "neighborhood", mortals will learn the ways of peace and true "neighborliness" under the direct leadership and government of Christ. What a blessing to be part of a neighborhood characterized by perfect government, and true peace and prosperity! It will be even better than that land of make-believe in Mr Roger's neighborhood.
The hope of the kingdom is to be savored, but it also is to provide evangelistic fervor and motivation. As we considered yesterday, the two greatest commandments are wholehearted love for God, and for our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:36-40). To love God, who has promised us His fabulous future earthly kingdom, is to be moved with compassion for all who have opportunity to be neighbors in it.
Living in the future kingdom of God neighborhood is a matter of personal choice, but it is imperative that everyone clearly have opportunity to make that choice. "How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, "HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!" (Romans 10:14-15). The "neighborly" thing is respond to God's call to be sent to them, so that they can have opportunity to hear and believe.
Frankly, I'm a fairly reluctant messenger. Striking up life-changing conversations is not my strong suit. But, a burden for such opportunities - prompted by prayer - will place others in our path who will essentially ask us to share the gospel we have embraced. Of course, that presupposed that we've done our homework and know enough about "the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus" (Acts 8:12; 28:23,31) to share it!I
May we impact the kingdom of God neighborhood today in sharing good news with those who would be our neighbors in it.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011
I'm intrigued by thinking of the kingdom of God as the ideal neighborhood. Zechariah the prophet portrays an idyllic existence, largely centered on the streets of Jerusalem:
"Thus says the LORD of hosts, 'Old men and old women will again sit in the streets of Jerusalem, each man with his staff in his hand because of age. And the streets of the city will be filled with boys and girls playing in its streets.' (Zechariah 8:4-5)
This reference to mortals, old and young, seems to indicate that the setting is the millennial kingdom, ruled by Christ and resurrected immortals (you and I). In this kingdom of God "neighborhood", mortals will learn the ways of peace and true "neighborliness" under the direct leadership and government of Christ. What a blessing to be part of a neighborhood characterized by perfect government, and true peace and prosperity! It will be even better than that land of make-believe in Mr Roger's neighborhood.
The hope of the kingdom is to be savored, but it also is to provide evangelistic fervor and motivation. As we considered yesterday, the two greatest commandments are wholehearted love for God, and for our neighbor as ourselves (Matthew 22:36-40). To love God, who has promised us His fabulous future earthly kingdom, is to be moved with compassion for all who have opportunity to be neighbors in it.
Living in the future kingdom of God neighborhood is a matter of personal choice, but it is imperative that everyone clearly have opportunity to make that choice. "How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher? How will they preach unless they are sent? Just as it is written, "HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET OF THOSE WHO BRING GOOD NEWS OF GOOD THINGS!" (Romans 10:14-15). The "neighborly" thing is respond to God's call to be sent to them, so that they can have opportunity to hear and believe.
Frankly, I'm a fairly reluctant messenger. Striking up life-changing conversations is not my strong suit. But, a burden for such opportunities - prompted by prayer - will place others in our path who will essentially ask us to share the gospel we have embraced. Of course, that presupposed that we've done our homework and know enough about "the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus" (Acts 8:12; 28:23,31) to share it!I
May we impact the kingdom of God neighborhood today in sharing good news with those who would be our neighbors in it.
Steve
©Steve Taylor, 2011
posted by steve @ 9:37 AM
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