I spent many years searching for the Kingdom thinking if I learned enough theology, practiced the right kind of prayer, lived the right kind of life etc...it would come to me. All this only to discover that the Kingdom is within, and it is lived in each day of life, and that, as William Phillips Tilden reminds us in today's Leaflet for Lent, "God is bending over (us) with messages of love:"THE KINGDOM OF GOD (Scripture readings)
Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
. . . Be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.
The kingdom of God cometh not with observation; Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
Behold the fowls of the air: far they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they?
And why take ye thought for raiment ? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin:
And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.
Matt. vi. Luke x. xli. xvll.
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THE KINGDOM OF GOD (Tilden's Meditation)
FIRST seek the kingdom of God. It is a condition of soul, by which we enter through the gate of a higher life. It means the enthronement of Righteousness, which is Right put into service. This is the soul's crown. But this kingdom will not come of itself; it must be sought. Seek it as a pearl of great price. Seek first what God has put first. Jesus would have his disciples seek and find this kingdom just where all the world never thought of looking for it, "The kingdom of God is within you." Jesus lays his ear reverently to the earth to catch the whisper of his Father's spirit that he hears on mountain-top or in the valley. Live by the day, as the birds do; trouble not about to-morrow; God is bending over you with messages of love. Do not feed the body and starve the soul. The soul must grow and be clothed upon in Righteousness through the Spirit of Christ within. He came and toiled and died to bring his kingdom into human hearts. This is His Salvation."
May we all put right into service today and every day. Blessings
3 comments:
Which translation of Scripture do you use? KJV? This is so lyrical...
Hey Red,
I hope all goes well with you. You ask a good question-Tilden is using, for the most part, the King James but often uses something else which I have not been able to track down. I thought maybe the Geneve Bible but that isnt it. I also checked Andrews Norton's translation and that isnt it. I will let you know if I come accross just what he is using.
Have a great day and many blessings! BU
Please do! It's beautiful.
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