The Child-Like Kingdom
The Christian is one who is simultaneously unbelievably rich in God and painstakingly dependent on God.
Grace Church,
In Luke 18:18-30, Jesus calls the rich ruler to identify with the poor—something he cannot do. He has not reached the place of desperation, and therefore he has not reached the place of inheritance. The sorrow of his story is not due to his lack of morality, but his assumption on what his law-keeping earned him. It’s hard to be rich and needy at the same time.
One commentator pointed out something this week in the context here that I never saw before. In verse 17, Luke is again different from the other gospels, who say that we are to “become like children” to receive the kingdom. But Luke’s construct is better translated: “receive the child-like kingdom”. In other words, it’s not just that we are to receive the kingdom like a child—that is true—but that the kingdom itself is child-like. It’s not outwardly impressive right now. It’s not yet reached its maturity. It’s a kingdom of faith, a kingdom of dependence.
Inheriting the kingdom of God means having eyes of faith to see what is small now won’t be small forever. The kingdom of God has not yet reached its maturity: one day, it will be almost unrecognizable. Instead of the church inwardly housing the glory of God on earth, the whole earth will again be his tabernacle, full of the unfettered presence of God. But this full-fledged kingdom come is only available to those who invest now. This is not a get-rich-quick scheme or bit-coin pitch—it’s sowing seeds for eternity. To come to Jesus like a child, and receive his child-like kingdom, to ask “what must I do”? like a child, with faith and innocence, desperation and hope, ready to receive all good things from the one who does not just possess goodness but is goodness: this is to become an heir of eternal life.
And don’t forget, eternal life is in your midst right now if you are in Christ. It may be a seed, but the promise of Jesus is that you will receive more life now, in this age, than you ever left behind for his sake. This means that the Christian is one who is simultaneously unbelievably rich in God and painstakingly dependent on God. Rich in grace, poor in spirit—such is the miracle of the gospel!
Be blessed,
Pastor Drake
Current Sermon Series: The Gospel of Luke
Luke’s gospel was written so that we might have certainty concerning what we have been taught: that Jesus really is the Christ of God, the one we’ve all been waiting for. By closely examining the life and teachings of Jesus, we learn his of his heart for us and the way of following him.
Last Sunday at Grace
There are two ways to ask the question "what must I do to inherit eternal life" that the rich ruler does Jesus: the place of privilege and the place of desperation. The place of privilege causes us to miss the kingdom, and to ask rightly we need 1) right knowledge of Jesus; 2) willing identification with Jesus; and 3) full reliance on Jesus.
Next Sunday January 19, 2025
The Second Sunday of the Epiphany | Luke 18:31-43 | Dave Becker
Set List
Be Thou My Vision
All Things
Here Is Love
King Of Love
Steadfast
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New Equipping Hour Classes
Our New Classes start at 9am on January 19. You can sign up for two of them below.
Missiology. What is so great about the great commission? This course will explore the history and methods of international missions, as well as provide practical instruction in participating in God's global mission to bring his people to himself to the ends of the earth. SIGN UP HERE
Christian Classics: Paradise Lost. Expand your imagination for the Biblical story of redemption through a close reading of the Christian classic Paradise Lost by John Milton. No outside reading required. SIGN UP HERE
Typology: Anticipating Christ in the Old Testament. Where is Jesus in the Old Testament? Join us as we track the development of Christological anticipations and fulfillments throughout the Bible, an interpretive method known as typology. SIGN UP HERE
Welcome Dinner, January 26, 4pm
Are you new to Grace Church? We would love to host you for dinner and a conversation about our church. This dinner is also the first step in the membership process. Childcare is provided per request. Please register ahead of time so we know to expect you.
Missions Lunch, January 26, 12pm
Jonathan and Julie Kelber are hosting a missions lunch to hear more about God’s work in reaching unreached people groups. Lunch is provided with signup. Reach out to Jonathan Kelber with any questions.
See you Sunday!
Equipping Hour | 9am
Corporate Worship | 10am
4610 Bosque Blvd
Waco, Tx 76710