The Kingdom of God: I think this is the topic that Jesus Christ taught about more than anything. Do you remember the parables? What is the kingdom of God like? It is like a seed. Or, a woman who lost a coin. Or, hidden treasure. The more Jesus talks about the Kingdom of God, the less it sounds like the kingdoms of this world. Take for instance, the people who are great in our countries and kingdoms. They are usually rich, or they have made a great accomplishment, or they are influential politicians that have effected social change. But listen to what Jesus says about the Kingdom of God:
At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the Kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him into the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.“
And again, Jesus says, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.“
This may seem insignificant to you, but it is especially significant to me because I am working with little children this month. Welcome to the ministry of Rays of Hope in Mumbai, India. You wouldn’t call them, “great” by looking at them. Most of them are unwanted. They are orphans, or HIV positive, or they are children of prostitutes. But the more time I spend with them, the more I am convinced that these orphans are the most capable people in the world in terms of sheer joy. It’s contagious! They seem to excel at running and jumping into people’s arms, or in giving of hugs. They love to smile as well! These kids really are great! I have so much to learn from them. It is no wonder Jesus wants to take the power and glory away from the people who are considered great in our kingdoms/countries, and give it to these children.
Take a look at some of the people who will have the highest honors in the kingdom to come:
