The Coming King

There was great excitement when Prince George was christened. Not only were there plenty of photos of the family, but this child will one day be a king. He also received some interesting gifts, including from the Samburu community in Kenya four heifers, a bull, and a goat. This makes the gifts from the Wise Men look fairly ordinary!

But as, during Advent, we reflect on the Coming of Jesus, as Judge & Saviour, I am reminded of how he started his ministry in Galilee.

'Later on, after John was arrested, Jesus went into Galilee, where he preached God’s Good News. “The time promised by God has come at last!” he announced. “The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!” (Mark 1.14-15)

In announcing the Kingdom of God, Jesus was stating in word and deed that God is the rightful King on earth. In the prayer Jesus taught us, we repeatedly pray, 'May your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.' In the Kingdom of God, that is exactly what happens.

And the conditions that make it possible for us to enter the Kingdom, and play our part in doing God's will on earth as it is in heaven are simple and clear. We first have to turn away from all we know to be wrong. We then believe God's Good News, which involves us in discovering that there is always a better way to live, free from guilt and greed, given over to new-style relationships and generosity. And this is a continuing and deliberate process of relentless realignment of our living.

So I ask myself again how much of my life is reflecting the Good News that Jesus was bringing.

On Sunday, when we wrote out what we needed to do, to be ready for Jesus' return, I wrote some clear words demanding action from me. Yesterday, in God's mercy, I was able to put those words into practice. I now pray that the next steps will lead to God's will being done on this small part of earth, as it is in heaven. Will you pray that too?

Best wishes,

Richard