"Practicing the presence of the kingdom changes how we see the world, our neighbors, and ourselves." (p.86)
But what does the presence of the kingdom look like? How does Jesus' ancient languange and teaching about the kingdom relate to my life and my world, my neighborhood, my job... today?
I'll just say right off the bat and save you the time of reading this post that this is a book well worth reading. This Beautiful Mess did nothing but stoke my ability to wonder about the kingdom and pursue life within it.
Rick breaks his thoughts down into 3 parts: Discovering the Kingdom, Re-visioning life in the kingdom, and practicing the presence of the kingdom.
Throughout the book each of Rick's chapters are guided by Jesus' words which provoke the reader of the scriptures to envision an alternative kingdom led by God. In part one, Rick points out how modern systematic theologies have tended to confine the kingdom's mystery and grandeur into something we can package and easily explain. He said theologians have typically chosen one of these three approaches:
"they reduce the gospel of the kingdom (it's just the church); they spiritualize the gospel of the kingdom (it's completely realized now); or, they postpone the gospel of the kingdom (it will only be realized in heaven)." (p38)
Not until the last 5 years or so have I, personally, moved outside of navigating within those three traditional perspectives.
In part two, Rick writes about how un-natural it is for us to simply "be" in God's kingdom. Our default is to busy ourselves with "doing" God's work. In regards to this he writes about the idea of "levels spirituality" (this might be my favorite idea of the book). If you are like me, grew up in the church, involved in college ministry, etc. you know we have typically sought to achieve a higher level of righteouness. Unconsciencly, good ministries, have encouraged a sense of power and control through seeking to make it the next spiritual level. This thinking like much of American culture deifies the individual and removes us from relationhsips. The more Christian stuff I involve myself with, the higher level I acheive. Rick calls this out as something Jesus hates. "All it does is reinforce the lie that started way back in the beginning--the one that says I can be like God." (p58)
In simply "being" we seek to participate in what God is already doing rather than making things happen ourselves.
In chapter six, he addresses the reality of the "already but not yet" idea that the kingdom on earth will always be characterized by tension. We can experience the joy of gut-busting laughter one day and be confused and hurt by the loss of a loved one the next. Tension is an important term to remember when describing and pointing out the beauty amidst all the mess. The kingdom is "beauty in tension." (p73)
Part three explains how to practice a life seen through the lenses of the kingdom. Jesus explained his plan for living in this new kingdom by one command: Go. Rick points to the sending (latin: Missio) nature of God: Father sent the Son; the Son sends the Spirit; and the Father, Son, and Spirit send us, the church. We are a sent people, signpost of the kingdom, the salt and light of our neighborhoods.
As signposts, God's thumbprint will be upon every aspect of our lives. For all of us, especially consumer driven Americans, kingdom living will need to work it's way into the manner in which we use money. Rick challenges the reader to look at our checkbook as an indicator of what kingdom we truly proclaim.
Toward the conclusion, in chapter eleven, Rick addresses the reality of hardships in entering the kingdom of heaven. It's an obvious reality for our brothers and sisters in the 3rd world but not so obvious for us here in comfort. Living in the kingdom moves us to be advocates and to suffer with those who are hurting in the model of Christ-the suffering servant. Rick says, "The American church doesn't produce martyrs; we produce celebrities." Ouch-too true.
Rick's book simply reminds me that our lives preach about the one we follow. And in following Christ I seek to see the world in the way he did.
"Every day under our feet, creation groans and trembles with its approach. And we have a kingdom to embrace and a King to worship."
This is a much richer read than I can adaquately explain in just a few words, so go take it in for yourself!
Thanks Rick!
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