Soul Revolution, p. 98-100 (bold highlighting added by me):
Jesus said, "The kingdom of God is near--and this is good news." Why is it good news for imperfect people like you and me? Because life in God's kingdom--the way God intended for us to live, with him, with each other, and in relation to our world--is now available to ordinary, imperfect, messed-up people. That's the revolution! It's a completely revolutionary way to live right now, superior to our own kingdoms where we battle for power and worth and control.
This is good news for all willing humans because God has a plan to restore what has been lost and broken relationally, one willing life at a time. It's good news because it's an invitation into the life we're searching for in all our relationships.
Jesus says, it's not religioius observance, but willing relationship that God's after. What you must do is repent and trust in this good news. The Greek word usually translated "repent" is the word metanoeo--which literally means "to change your mind" or "have a change of mind and actions." If you're only living life for the sake of your own little kingdom, you must change your mind, turn from your old ways, and begin to live within God's kingdom. And that's good news--you can do it! But you have to believe it's good news or you can't take advantage of it.
Jesus explained, "The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you" (Luke 17:20-21 NIV)
Do you realize how great the news is that Jesus brings to all humanity? Jesus paid the price to hook you up to a revolutionary way of life. Because of what Jesus did for us on the cross, you are now invited to "Come as you are"; God takes you "as is" so you can begin to live life restored into a right relationship with him. As you're willing, God leads you into a life that grows within and then gives life to others. This is good news because it's a better, more powerful and more loving way to live!
It's not religion that God wants. Relational revolution is what he's after. It's not about jumping through spiritual hoops; it's about living in intimacy wiht God and others, so that God can begin to heal and restore what's broken in our world. Life in God's kingdom is relational. The means and the measure of maturity is relationship! That's why true spiritual maturity is not measured with how religious or outwardly righteous we behave. It's measured in how willing we are to trust God, do what he says, and let him lead us to become loving, life-giving people to one another. God lives his life of love in us and through us as we're willing.
So, what does living Kingdom life mean to you? Have you ever experienced it or encountered it? What stood out to you most from John Burke's description? What'cha think??
Love to hear your comments and feedback....
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