LIFE IN THE KINGDOM

“For everyone who exalts themselves will be humbled, and whoever humbles themselves will be exalted.” Luke 14:11  This is the rule for life in the kingdom of God—a polar reversal that turns our familiar world upside down to reveal a world with very different rules. Luke first introduced this reversal in Mary’s Song, where she sang, “He has shown strength with his arm. He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has put down princes from their thrones and has exalted the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things. He has sent the rich away empty” Luke 1:51-53. God is at the root of this polar reversal, which is a key theme in Luke’s Gospel and one he will not let his readers forget. (for example, 1:51-53; 6:20-26; 13:30)”
 
    By alerting us to this impending reversal, Jesus helps to prepare us for life in God’s kingdom, a place that seems at once strange and wonderful and threatening. Just as we would prepare for life in a foreign land by learning the language and customs, so we also need to prepare for the kingdom of God by learning and following Kingdom Rules now.  The kingdom of God becomes a present reality and not just a future hope when we acknowledge God as king and live by Kingdom Rules. Christians live with one foot in the kingdom of this world and the other foot in the kingdom of God.
 
    As his disciples, Jesus calls us to follow his example and live in humility as we put the needs of others ahead of our own and learn to seek first the kingdom and his righteousness. 

​Till next time. Andrew
 
Adapted from Dick Donovan’s commentary on Luke 14.  Used with permission www.sermonwriter.com