“On the Grand Canyon Bus”
Philip Yancey refers to a friend’s analogy of a busload of tourists en route to the Grand Canyon. On the long journey across awesome farm lands and through majestic mountains, the travelers inexplicable keep the shades down. Intent on the ultimate destination, they never bother to look outside.
As a result, they spend their time arguing over who has the best seat and who’s taking too much time in the bathroom.
The church can resemble such a bus. Remember: the Bible has far more to say about how to live during the journey than about the destination. How to live…live as citizens of the Kingdom of God…here & now.
Jesus teaches us to pray “thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” His life and ministry…miracles and all demonstrated the present reality of the Kingdom of God.
We are weak in understanding the nature of the KOG as present reality. Our relationship with God is “church-bound.” Too often our relationship with God is institutionally truncated. The institutional church limits not only our relationship with God, but sadly with all that lives in the “now.”
“Kingdom” means dominion, rule and government. “….of God.”
One of the most familiar passages of Scripture, John 3:1-3
1 There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” 3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot SEE the kingdom of God.”
“Born again” means being born from “over there.” Understanding this reality gives greater understanding to our having eternal life here & now.
Being born from “over there” is a pre-requisite to seeing the Kingdom of God.
“Seeing” = “understanding”
We are born again and do not understand all things; however, it is essential we understand “Kingdom of God.”
First Corinthians 2:9-10a
9 But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” (…NOT heaven)
10 But God has revealed them to us through His Spirit.
May God graciously open the eyes of our understanding so that we may live in fully in the blessings and benefits of the Kingdom of God here and now.
