Last week we had several discussions about the kingdom of God and poverty. We looked at a lot of what the Word has to say about these things and wrestled with what the kingdom looks like in Kolkata. There are clear signs of redemption around us in what is being done in the lives of some of the women. But, tending to be over-analytical and perhaps a bit of a pragmatist, it’s hard not to view the sea of thousands upon thousands I pass by everyday and not have a sense of hopelessness, wondering what does hope and redemption look like for them?
One of the passages we looked at was in Matthew 11 when John, who is in prison, sends some of his followers to ask Jesus, “are you the one who was to come, or should we expect someone else?” This question seems a bit odd, coming from the one whom Jesus identified as the one who was prophesied to come before him to prepare the way before him. Could it be that even John had different expectations and hopes from Jesus? Perhaps he believed that if Jesus was the Messiah, the one to inaugurate the kingdom of God, things were going to change here and now. Rome would be overthrown, and the kingdom, in all its fullness would be established. And he would be set free.
So what answer did Jesus give to John’s disciples? “Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor.” Indirectly, but unequivocally, he tells John that he is the Messiah and that the kingdom of God has come. And yet, if you know the rest of the story, you know that not long after John was beheaded by Herod. The kingdom had come, the Messiah was finally here, and yet John’s life was not spared.
And so we see the twisting tension that life continues to hold today. Jesus has come. The kingdom of God is among us, here…now. And yet for so many, the external circumstances of their lives remain wretched and unchanged. What is their hope? How do we hope for them?
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see.”
Upon the initiation of his ministry Jesus gets up in the temple and reads from Isaiah 61 where it says
“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, and provide for those who grieve in Zion—to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor. They will REBUILD the ancient ruins and RESTORE the places long devastated; they will RENEW the ruined cities that have been devastated for generations.”
He has come. He is here. He is at work—rebuilding, restoring, renewing. This is my hope for this city and for the millions suffering in it today.
skip to main |
skip to sidebar
The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it. jn 1:5
Christmas angels
Thanksgiving dinner 2009
4 comments:
I like it. Thinking about it that way definitely helps me think about hope differently, especially in seemingly hopeless situations. Thanks, Brent.
A couple pictures of the girls wouldn't hurt either. :-)
Kat
thank you for that word of hope! i was listening the other day to Keller and he mentioned John's question. Jesus' response wasn't impatient or rude or disbelieving. It was welcoming or more questions, and a true response. He welcomes our questions and doubts about His fulfillment of who He says He is! And He responds with assuring hope and glimpses into that reality. I hope He keeps turning your eyes to hopeful glimpses that He is in your midst!
-Tonya
Brent and Melinda, it has been a joy to keep up with you...praying for you...i was just talking about you with some UT students...you are speaking and living out our heart in many ways...we love you guys...
Melinda, thank you so much for sharing. I am actually working toward committing Isaiah 61 to memory as one of the passages I learn this year. The Lord used your post to confirm that for me, that this is the passage I need to start with. Thank you all for your willingness, openness, and faithfulness to go and do all that the Lord has commanded you. You're an inspiration, encouragement, and blessing in my life. Praise the Lord for you and your family. I love you all very much.
Post a Comment