Following Jesus Christ produces the most dramatic life changes. Not only do we receive everlasting salvation, but we are also baptized into his body, the church of the Living God.
Jesus calls for all things to be united in him. I believe that putting the teaching of the Kingdom of God in practice, as taught by our Lord, will give us an insight into how to live holy lives in contemporary society. Knowing what the Kingdom of God demands of me will orient my decisions on hundreds of smaller but still vital issues.
Jesus called twelve disciples to be close to him. He had many other followers, as well. Right after his death and resurrection, 120 disciples met in Jerusalem. Among them were the Eleven (the Twelve, minus Judas Iscariot.) Paul tells of an encounter Jesus had with more than 500, presumably those who followed him in Galilee.
Jesus did not call followers who would agree with each other on all things. We know Simon the Zealot was politically motivated before he was called. To be a Zealot was to plan an overthrow of the hated Roman occupiers. Andrew may have followed John the Baptist, who was likely influenced by the Essenes, who escaped contemporary society's corruption. Nathaniel may also have been an Essene. Certainly, most of the disciples, Simon Peter, James, and John, were influenced by the Pharisees, those who were conservative. Probably, Matthew was more inclined to the life of the Sadducees, those who tolerated the Roman presence. After all, Matthew was a tax collector, working on behalf of the hated soldiers and foreign administrators. Why did Jesus call people together who came from polar opposites?
What did Jesus do with such a diverse group? He taught them about the Kingdom of God. His earliest preaching was, "Repent for the Kingdom of God is near." Jesus addresses the sin issues, those things that cause division, hatred, misunderstanding, and enmity. His teaching included dozens of parables, most beginning with the words, "The Kingdom of God is like a ..." By the evening before his death, he had shown them how to live life according to the Kingdom of God.
If we can grasp this key concept, we will have a unique insight into our decisions. We have to act within a complex modern society. But the teaching of Jesus speaks to any place, language, family, or earthly kingdom. God works with people who come from every point on the political compass. We should not worry or be intimidated by current events. We will not shy away from the topic of sin, nor will we live in despair because of the brokenness that comes upon us all.
God intends to create a new people, walking in along a new path, displaying a new kind of servanthood. Jesus illustrates this over and over in his life. He showed love and gave attention to the least, the last, and the lost.
God intends to draw all things to himself in Jesus Christ. God desires unity. This is not an artificial political unity that favors only one group over another. That is something that quickly passes. We never find Jesus crying out for a revolution against Rome. (SOme people rewrite the life of Jesus, twisting his words, so he appears to criticize the Roman Empire.)
Jesus even accepted Rome's demands for the payment of taxes. If anyone follows Christ's teaching, then the lust for earthly power, prestige, and glory (that which 'Rome' constantly offers) will quickly disappear. A new light has dawned. It is a new Kingdom. Earthly politicians will forever seek temporary power and glory. Lies, exaggeration, causing division, and self-serving attitudes are easy to detect.
Christ's followers will make decisions that overcome racial prejudices, economic stereotypes, and self-promotion. His is a kingdom built on love and self-sacrifice. It is a kingdom that unmistakably seeks the best for others. The Kingdom of God is not about what most favors me, my family, and my limited group.
All kingdoms are built on power. Just examine the eleven mighty empires that came crashing down between the years 1949 and 1992. (Allworld empires gave up their powers, usually reluctantly, as colonies became modern nations.) How many thousands, no millions, or people died or suffered as these empires were built up? Think about the demise of the British, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Russian, Belgian, Dutch, Ottoman, Russian, and Japanese Empires.
The Kingdom of God is built on a heavenly power, not on earthly powers. "That power is like the working of his mighty strength which he exerted in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every title that can be given, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in his way." Ephesians 1:19-21
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