Kingdom Encounters

Jesus was a master artist who used stories to paint word pictures of abstract things that are invisible and difficult to see—things like God and God’s kingdom. I think that’s one reason the Apostle John called Jesus the Word. His stories help us see what life is supposed to look like.  

​​Picasso once said, “If I paint a wild horse you may not see the horse, but surely you will see the wildness.” That’s the way it is with the pictures Jesus painted, we don’t always see God, but his stories help us to see the wild and mysterious nature of God’s character. God’s heart for righteousness, justice and peace jump out of the word pictures and capture the imagination of those who listen to his stories. God’s desire and passion for people will make an impression on your heart and leave you wanting more passion in your life. Listen long enough and you’ll notice you’re included in the story; you’ll begin to encounter the wild and crazy love God has for people.

I want to invite you to take what we’re calling at Church of the Promise, the Kingdom Encounter Challenge! Over the next few weeks I challenge you to re-read some of the word pictures Jesus paints about the kingdom of heaven on earth. Look close. Listen and reflect on the words. What do you see? What do you hear? Do the pictures comfort you or disturb you? Do the pictures call for a response? Do they move you to action or do they invite you to rest? 

If you're not sure where to start reading here are a few of my favorite stories Jesus told about the kingdom of heaven: Luke 12:13-34; 13:18-21; 14:15-24; 15:1-32 and Matthew 13:1-23; 24-30; 31-35; 44-46.