Sunday, March 25, 2012

THE KINGDOM ECONOMY


Time with Jesus - Monday, 26 March 2012
Hi all,
Today is my seventieth birthday. A word of thanks to those who have sent their greetings! If you have not done so, please don’t feel that you must do so now. It’s not necessary. Incidentally, having arrived at the big 70, it’s nothing to get excited about. Things don’t suddenly change on the day of the big 70. It would however, be much more fun if we could do the things we were able to do in our twenties and thirties.
Somewhere in our bookcase there is a book by Tony Lighterness written in the 1970’s called, “Living in the Kingdom Here and Now”. As the title suggests, it is not necessary to die before we begin living in the Kingdom. According to Paul, It begins here and now: 6 For He raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with Him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. Eph 2:6 NLT
If you are anything like me you will probably struggle with this concept. Scripture tells me I am seated with Christ in the heavenly realms. My problem is that at present I’m seated in front of my computer in Johannesburg. Paul does help us with this. 18 There's far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can't see now will last forever. 2 Cor 4:18 MSG
In other words, what I am looking at as I sit in front of my computer, is some form of an optical illusion. It looks real. But for a Christ follower, we are not looking at reality. This will pass away and the truth will be apparent. So I am seated in the heavenly realm with Christ Jesus. That’s what Scripture teaches and I can’t contradict God’s Word.
It’s a rather odd thought, but we all need to understand we are living in a temporary world in temporary bodies with temporary eyes. To “see” reality we need our spiritual eyes. How does that work? I’ve no idea. Without wanting to be irreverent, it’s something like what we see when a conjurer “performs” before us. We “see” something. Then it somehow vanishes. I’ve seen this done on TV with an aeroplane. Now you see it, now you don’t. Of course we all know that it is a trick. But Spiritual reality is not a trick. It’s more real than anything we see!
Our meditation today takes a “look” at the Kingdom at what it means.
Blessings
Jim & Phyllida Strickland
The Kingdom Economy
For those who are in business, herewith my sympathy.
You’re in a strange environment where Christians shouldn’t be.
The problem’s business methods and the things you have to do.
You have to be competitive and pressure’s put on you.
Your product must be better than all of those around.
Undermine their products wherever they are found.
We are in a world in which the truth is relative.
It’s different for each one of us no matter where we live.
Two and two are seven. That is the truth for me.
Don’t say that I’m dishonest, that’s how it has to be.
And so you climb the ladder that leads you to success.
But Jesus isn’t in it and you are in a mess.
The way we aught to do it is to imitate the Lord.
But be a little careful, for business can’t afford,
To let the competition, find a winning edge.
That will put you out the door and standing on a ledge.
They’ll try to push you over, so grab them by the throat.
Run them out of business and steal their hat and coat.
No part of this is Christian. It’s wicked through and through.
No wonder I have sympathy for businessmen like you!
We have to change our methods and trust the Lord to act.
Start by helping others and you will find in fact,
That other folk will help you so you don’t have to cheat.
And you have His assurance there’ll be enough to eat.
Give to those who ask you. Even stand aside.
Feed the hungry, quench their thirst and stay away from pride.
Give a cup of water to those who are in need.
Don’t hold on too tightly, for that will turn to greed.
If they prosecute you and want to take your shirt,
Give your coat along with it. For ladies, give your skirt!
If they want to take your job, then simply stand aside.
The Lord has one much better, if in Him you’ll abide.
You only ever get to keep that which you give away.
And if you do not do it, you’ve lost it all that day.
Never doubt God’s justice. But God is never fair.
That’s a man-made concept and He does not go there.
Put the other person first in everything you do.
Do not make a whimper if he is cheating you.
What is said may be correct, significant and just.
But who is it you’re following and Who is it you trust?
If they want to curse you and beat you ‘till you’re raw.
Let them mock and spit on you till they can do no more.
It is what the Master did. He never made a sound.
If you emulate Him, Your blessings will abound.
Nothing really matters in this life of sin and pain.
If it’s done for Jesus, it won’t be done in vain.
Jim Strickland
Written Monday 26th March 2012
 

No comments:

Post a Comment