One of the overlooked aspects of the Gospel is its power to reconcile. We live in an individualistic world, and it’s often only as individuals that we are called to believe in Jesus. But the Gospel of the Kingdom is greater than just what we want or need. Our readings are from the booklet, The Gospel of the Kingdom. Here’s an excerpt from pages 42, 43:
“[T]he Kingdom is Good News because it brings power to reconcile, to set things right. In the Kingdom of God we are set right with God through the saving work of our Lord Jesus Christ. We no longer fear His wrath against our sins; our hearts are devoted to knowing and serving Him; and we rejoice to see the evidence of His Spirit at work, making all things new in our lives.
“Beyond that, the Gospel is powerful to reconcile strangers in the love of Jesus Christ; restore broken relationships and trusts; enable us to love those who wish us ill; and even to return creation and culture to higher states of goodness before the Lord.
“The world may seek this reconciling power by a wide variety of means, but nothing short of the power of the Gospel can bring about the kind of inward and spiritual transformations that are required for reconciling men to God, one another, and the world.”
For reflection or discussion
1. How does God intend to use you as an agent of reconciliation in your world?
2. Are there any aspects of your own life that yet need to be reconciled—“set right”—to God?
Think of what the reconciling power of God might do in bringing multitudes to faith in Jesus. In vanishing all the hate that exists in our society. In bringing churches and Christians together for greater visible unity in Christ. Order your copy of The Gospel of the Kingdom by going to The Ailbe Bookstore today. Share today’s podcast with a friend and discuss how the reconciling power of the Gospel can work in and through you.
T. M. Moore
