Jesus, in proclaiming and embodying the kingdom of God, confronts the structures and systems of domination head-on. He heralds the imminent reign of the Father, delivering good news to the impoverished - ‘blessed are the poor’ - while also challenging the wealthy who hoard power and resources - ‘woe to you who are rich’.
Jesus’s revolutionary message, epitomized by his declaration, ‘the kingdom of God is at hand, continues to unsettle many to this day.
Yet, despite facing crucifixion, Jesus, the humble preacher from Nazareth, triumphs over death. His resurrection signifies that injustice cannot have the final say.
In allegiance to him, the church carries forward his mission of compassion, advocating for the marginalized and challenging unjust systems that oppress the world’s poorest. The church is to be a kingdom community.
As the body of Christ, the church is empowered with the ‘Spirit of Jesus’. By proclaiming, participating, announcing, articulating, envisioning, and embodying the values and vision of the kingdom in all dimensions of life, we conform to his likeness.
However, our current economic system of unrestrained capitalism exacerbates inequality and environmental degradation. Profit often outweighs concern for people and the planet, leading to disproportionate suffering among the most vulnerable communities. Climate breakdown, driven by this relentless pursuit of profit, amplifies the hardships faced by the world’s poorest.
Confronting the structures of domination demands advocating for sustainable, equitable alternatives that prioritize human well-being and environmental stewardship.
As followers of Jesus, who challenged oppressive systems and championed the marginalized, we are called to embody the values of his kingdom. This entails actively dismantling systems of exploitation and advocating for a world where justice, compassion, and stewardship of creation reign supreme. In doing so, we align ourselves with the transformative vision of the kingdom of God, where every person is valued, and the well-being of all creation is upheld.
Let your kingdom come,
Your will be done.
On Earth
As in Heaven.
- Swales, 2024
