The beginning of each year is always full of promises and commitment. Like many people out there, I started this year with the desire to become closer and closer to God and to be more and more like Jesus.
As a community we started this year with the promise to grow in our faith. We started by studying some good articles written by our theologian-in-the-house David Chronic. The one that I’ve liked the best is What we understand by The Kingdom of God.
The message of this article in particular has been a real challenge to me as it made me really sees what the Bible says about the Kingdom of God. How are we to be a sign of the Kingdom in our community and in the world? The Kingdom values are upside down as compared to the kingdom of men. Our God is a triune God marked by love and not by hierarchy based power, it is a God that offers freedom and not domination. The Kingdom of God is where steadfast love and faithfulness meet; righteousness and peace kiss each other. (Psalm 85:10) and where all things are made new (Rev. 21:5)
The reign in the Kingdom of God brings liberation and not domination. On the cross, Jesus confronted and prevailed all the powers that were against Him. He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him. (Colossians 2:14-15).
I now see the His Kingdom is not manifested the way I thought it should.
How then will I be a sign of His Kingdom?
I think the answer is found in the simple acts of love I can share with the people around me. If I respond, speak and love in unexpected ways I think I am fulfilling my call. If I share my love to the children I serve among God can touch their lives and bring the changes He wants to bring in me and in them. That change will be the sign of His Kingdom in The Valley (our neighborhood) and in the whole city of Galati.
Thank you all for being here with me and with the people I work with. Your prayers and support have made this possible.
A few prayer requests:
– I constantly find myself in need of renewed wisdom in my administrative responsibilities;
– Please pray for the health of many of the children here (colds and flu);
– Pray that I will continue to be a sign of the Kingdom of God in my community, in The Valley and in Galati.
In Christ,
Bogdan Chelariu