Devotionals Detail

Reading: Matthew 13:10-16

Every summer for the past 29 years, I have had the privilege of seeing a little glimpse of the Kingdom of God. It is with different people, in different places, but the purpose is the same. The kingdom of God reigning on earth means that for a moment, there is alignment of God’s will of love, peace and justice right here and now. It is why we pray “Thy Kingdom Come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” And every year, I see the results of those prayers in Vacation Bible School.

For one week, multiple people of all different ages, come together to provide a week of Biblical learning, sacred relationship, and joy filled experiences for the next generation. VBS is a powerful witness to children in our neighborhood of who Jesus is and what Jesus means when he comes to the world. And you sense that truth, as soon as you walk into the doors of VBS.

From the theme decorations transforming every inch of church spaces, to the energy of the children multiplying through the hallways, to the abundance of time people give to support this annual program – we imagine for a week, what it is like to live with God’s love energizing us every minute.

VBS reminds me of Jesus parables – letting imagination speak truth into our daily lives. In our Scripture today, the disciples ask Jesus: “why do you speak in parables?” Jesus says it is because: “seeing they do not perceive, and hearing, they do not understand.” In other words: the parables require time and intentional processing, letting your imagination and emotions lead you beyond reasoning. The parables require us to get to the heart of the matter, letting God’s word sit with us, absorbing it into our daily lives, and letting it become part of our own story. As a result of telling parables, we realize the reign God wants for this peaceable kingdom is our purpose as well.

So this Sunday, I hope you will join us for worship to celebrate the glimpse of God’s kingdom we have through our VBS children’s program. Beyond our imagination, we have proclaimed the good news of Jesus in word and deed. We have shared the difference that God’s love makes when lived out. We have given this next generation the opportunity to live in peace and justice. So come on Sunday to enjoy this glimpse of God’s kingdom here on earth!