Today’s scripture: Luke 8:1-3 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Cheryl Stonestreet):
Today’s verses introduce chapter eight, and at first glance they seem pretty bland. Jesus went from town to town with a bunch of his followers proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. Blah, blah, blah. . .
And then I got to thinking about the phrase “the kingdom of God.” As an American it’s hard to relate to just what a kingdom is. After all, we vote for our leaders and if we don’t like them, we replace them in the next election. We don’t have kings who reign for ever and ever, we only have politicians. And isn’t democracy the preferred way? So what’s the good news?
History lesson aside, when we look at the names of the followers, there is good news. Right there in black-n-white, are names of women. Mary Magdalene (with no evidence that she was a prostitute), Susanna, and Joanna are often considered the female apostles of Christ. Also, there are the twelve male apostles. All of these people, who likely would never have spoken to each other, are figuring out the logistics of this holy man as he traces along. And of course, there are Jesus’ sponsors, providing for the group out of their own resources. In these brief verses, we get a glimpse of who is welcome in the kingdom: anyone.
Each one of these people got a little something different from Jesus. Some received healing, some people found their life’s purpose, and all received forgiveness. This makes me think that the kingdom of God isn’t so much a place as it is a state of being. As I read through the parables of chapter eight, I’m even more convinced. The kingdom of God is a state of grace. Each person receives what they need. All are welcome. It’s really not so boring after all. It is good news.
Thought for the day: Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.