“Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” We recite these words every time we pray the Lord’s Prayer but do we as people of faith truly understand what it means to bring about the Kingdom of God here and now. What does God’s dream for the world really look like? In his book, “What is the Least I Can Believe and still be a Christian,” Martin Thielen uses Isaiah 65 to explain why and how the idea of the Kingdom of God not only has a personal impact on individual believers but also has social ramifications for the world. The following is a portion from Theielen’s chapter “Jesus’ Vision: What It God’s Dream for the World:
“In chapter 65 Isaiah says, “Never again will there be in it an infant who lives but a few days” (v. 20 NIV). In God’s kingdom, infant mortality does not exist. Therefore, issues like health insurance and prenatal care are kingdom issues. Isaiah then says, “Never again will there be…an old man who does not live out his years” (v.20 NIV). In God’s kingdom, senior adults live long, productive, and healthy lives. Therefore, issues of Medicare and Social Security are kingdom issues. Isaiah adds, “They will build houses and dwell in them” (v. 21 NIV). Therefore, issues like fair mortgage rates and affordable housing are kingdom issues. Isaiah continues, “They will plant vineyards and eat their fruit”. In God’s kingdom, food is plentiful; therefore, healthy, accessible, and affordable food is a kingdom issue. Isaiah goes on to say, “{They} will no longer enjoy the works of their hands. They will not toil in vain.” In God’s kingdom, people are fairly compensated for their work. Therefore, issues like minimum wage and employee benefits are kingdom issues. Then Isaiah says, “They will not…bear children doomed to misfortune.” In God’s kingdom, children thrive. Therefore, issues like child nutrition and early education are kingdom issues. Finally, Isaiah dreams of the day when “the wolf and the lamb will feed together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox…They will neither harm nor destroy on my holy mountain.” In God’s kingdom, violence and warfare are contraband Therefore; peacemaking between peoples and nations is a major kingdom issue.
Because these kinds of social issues matter to God, they should also matter to the people of God. Individual Christians, local churches, denominations, and the entire world-wide church must constantly seek ways to advance God’s kingdom, both locally and around the world. Therefore, let us continue to pray for and work toward making Jesus’ dreams a reality: “Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. “
That’s why the work of the Social and Ecumenical Ministries committee matters! That’s why it is important for all of our congregations within the bounds of this Presbytery to educate themselves about the work of SEMC and the mission and ministries of the organizations that they support and work with. Because if we don’t take a stand to be the voice for the Least, the Less and the Lost, who will?