Here’s a rewritten version of the article:
The Unseen Reality of God’s Kingdom
We often live as if we’re the ones in control, wearing the crowns and calling the shots. But deep down, we know there’s a higher authority – a King who reigns supreme over heaven and earth. His name is Jesus, and His kingdom is the only true reality.
I still remember a retreat I attended during my seminary days at Gordon-Conwell. We were nestled in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, surrounded by breathtaking beauty. One early morning, I decided to take a walk down to the lake, seeking some quiet time with God. As I waited for the sun to rise, I gazed up at the mountain behind me and noticed something remarkable – the sun was already shining on the treetops, even though it was still dark where I stood. It was a powerful reminder that Jesus, the Son of God, has already risen, and His kingdom is advancing in this world.
The Upside-Down Kingdom
In his book, The Upside-Down Kingdom, Chris Castaldo explores how living according to Jesus’ Beatitudes can bring peace and blessing to our broken world. The Beatitudes set a high moral and spiritual standard, one that we can’t possibly meet on our own. But that’s the point – we’re not meant to try to earn God’s blessing through our own efforts. Instead, we’re called to surrender our lives to Jesus, acknowledging His reign and rule over us.
The Blessing of Surrender
When Jesus says, “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven,” He’s not offering a formula for success or a recipe for happiness. He’s inviting us to surrender our lives to Him, to acknowledge that we’re not in control, and to trust in His goodness and love. This is the upside-down kingdom, where those who mourn are blessed, and where God’s blessing goes far deeper than any gift or experience.
As we navigate the ups and downs of life, we’re reminded that much of it happens before we’re ready. Our hearts race, our minds search for meaning, and sometimes circumstances resist explanation. But in the midst of uncertainty, we can find comfort in the knowledge that Jesus is King, and His kingdom is advancing in this world. We have the privilege of bowing the knee to Him, surrendering our lives, and proclaiming His message to a world that desperately needs to hear it.
Leave a Reply