A Remarkable Discovery

Looking back over the week of blogging I have noticed that signs of the kingdom have happened in small ways, very much in the every day occurrences; but still of significance. Relational seems to be a theme, either people coming and speaking to me or me listening and speaking to others. Moments of encouragement from God as one made their way through usual business activities.

One thing I have noticed, that it's easy to miss signs or to be always looking for 'big' signs but often the signs are there, we just need to open our eyes.

I have also been reminded of what a precious gift the kingdom of God is. I'm taken back to the two parables told by Jesus to illustrate the kingdom to his disciples. Matthew 13: 44-46 describes finding the kingdom likened to finding treasure. Sometimes we stumble across the kingdom and other times we go searching for it, both stories are the same; a great excitement upon making such a discovery. The kingdom is always found, it's not ours by right. God reveals its splendour and richness to us, he even offers us the 'keys' to the secrets of the kingdom (Matt16:19).

Finding the kingdom is one thing but what we do with the kingdom is another thing altogether. Do we truly recognise the value and significance of our find? These riches, in turn, make it possible for us to do the work we have to do, and to live our lives, in the strength, joy, and peace of Christ. The kingdom strenghtens and deepens our understanding of Jesus.

This little exercise has helped me to start searching again and to truly value what I find.