“The Kingdom of God.” “The Kingdom of Heaven.” “Thy Kingdom come.” “The rule and reign of the Kingdom.” “The Kingdom of God is like a treasure.” “The Kingdom of God is like a fishing net.” “The Kingdom of God is like a pearl merchant.”

I’ve heard these terms all my life, believed something about them, but never really nailed it down. It’s always been illusive and mysterious. What is the Kingdom? Is it what we experience when we die and go to heaven? Is it the compilation of all those who believe in Jesus as savior? Is it some type of Utopia that we wish were not a fairy tale?

I’m on my third time through a book by Richard Rohr entitled, Jesus’ Plan For A New World. (I keep thinking I’ve “gotten it,” but I discover new truths with each reading.) He has definitely shed a brighter light on the whole concept of what the Kingdom is. At least for me. It may not be news for anyone else, but isn’t that the beauty of the corporate journey? We get to celebrate one another’s discoveries, regardless of whether we’ve walked that mile or not.

“‘Thy kingdom come’ means very clearly that the Kingdom is something that enters into this world, or, as Jesus puts it, “is close at hand.” Don’t project it into another world. It’s a reality that breaks into this world now and then, when people are like God…..when you have a free group of people who love the truth more than themselves, then you have a taste of the Kingdom descending to earth.”

Funny how this paragraph from his book hits me. On one hand I’m excited, because I see what the true Kingdom of God looks like. It’s when we, as a people, live like Jesus lived! It’s a Kingdom free of judgments, hatred, vengeance, and competition. A Kingdom full of authenticity, unconditional acceptance, and selfless love. On the other hand it saddens me, because I wonder if we will ever be “a free group of people who love the truth more than themselves.”

Best to focus on and be grateful for the “reality that breaks into this world now and then.”

Have you ever noticed what impassions people in a discussion group, a bible study, or even a group of friends over coffee? It’s so interesting to me, that we can be in a deep and heavy discussion about something theological, but when someone breaks in with a story that reflects the true life of Jesus, the conversation switches channels very quickly.

“I remember the time we had no money, couldn’t pay the bills, and wondered where the next meal was coming from. The next morning, someone rang our doorbell and ran away, but not before loading our porch full of sacks of groceries, with absolutely everything we needed and more.”

“One day I sat under a bridge with a homeless man. We shared a sandwich and talked. Just talked. It was the highlight of my day. Maybe of my life.”

Everyone listening to these stories knows that a chord of truth has been struck. Their hearts resonate with a depth that comes from such simplicity. The Kingdom has entered into their world. They know it. They experience it. And it is good–so good.

For now, I am happy with these beautiful glimpses of the Kingdom. I’ll leave the rest for the masterful theologians to figure out. All I know is that when these realities break into my world, I find myself connected again. I have more understanding of why I’m here. Life makes more sense. I’m hopeful, and ravenous for more stories.

“So the Word became human and lived here on earth among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the only Son of the Father”. (John 1:14)

Surely, the real Kingdom has stood up.