In light of recent events in Minnesota and elsewhere regarding the work of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), I have seen many people cite Romans 13:1–7. It is often used as a “trump card” to end any argument. Too often, I think those citing the passage haven’t thought deeply about it or considered its original context. So, I revisited the text to consider again what Paul is actually arguing in the opening verses of chapter 13 in his magisterial letter to the Romans.
This is a well written article on Christian Nationalism and the need for a resurgence of spiritual formation.
God’s kingdom doesn’t arrive loud or large. Jesus says it begins like a mustard seed, like yeast in dough—small, quiet, faithful.
This week I reflect on Matthew 13:31–33 and the grace of small beginnings.
Read or listen here: The Kingdom That Grows Small
To listen to the unbridged message: God’s Kingdom Come - The Kingdom That Grows Small
There is a famous story about a little boy walking along a beach scattered with starfish that have washed ashore. As he walks, he bends down, picks up a starfish, and throws it back into the ocean. Over and over again, he does the same thing.
A grizzled old man approaches him and says, “You know you’re making no difference, right? There are far too many starfish. You can’t possibly save them all. What does it matter?”
The boy bends down, picks up another starfish, and replies, “It matters to this one.” And he throws it back into the sea.
It’s a story most of us have heard before, but it remains a powerful reminder of how easily we fall into all-or-nothing thinking. If we can’t fix everything, why do anything at all? If we can’t make a big dent, why bother with the small effort?
I think that Chuck DeGroat has written a very important piece that pastors, especially, need to read and understand. I also think it’s important for anyone who sees to love well and present with another to grapple with too.
Absolutely true. I know I’ve hit on a Kingdom message when people who are on the political right and people on the political begin a sentence with, “Pastor, you know…”
De-humanizing people, making them objects of hatred, leads to atrocities.
I appreciate this approach so much. I am grateful to have my content hosted here.
“To simplify before you understand the details is ignorance.
To simplify after you understand the details is genius.” ~ James Clear
My friend and colleague, Meiko Seymour, writes beautifully on lament.
I will be writing some thoughts on Romans 13 at the beginning of next week. I keep seeing it quoted and used as some sort of cudgel that defends state violence and the degradation of image bearers by the state. I think it might be good for some clarity on that particular passage in its context.
It is remarkable to be able to come to a place like this to rest. I am beyond grateful for this time.
It’s really frustrating when you have a point that you want to make in a sermon but the text doesn’t really allow you to make that point. I mean, I could definitely “get” there by some logical gymnastics, but that whole “integrity” thing gets in the way.
That moment it clicks that the Kingdom of Heaven and hypocrisy of the Pharisees are both illustrated by yeast.
I asked my congregation to consider a simple question this week, “Which beatitude do you think no longer ‘works’ in our modern world?”
It is there we find the place that we have begun to move away from the kingdom of the beloved Son.
