The Whole ChurchПримерок

BUILDING GOD'S KINGDOM

One of the most striking parts of C.S. Lewis’ famous book The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is the liberation of Narnia. Long held under the curse of being frozen, it begins to show signs of freedom—ice melts, trees lift their weary branches, flowers bloom. And throughout this imaginary country, whenever these small reminders surface, someone says five simple words: “Aslan is on the move!” The Narnians knew that Aslan—the story’s Christ figure—was near, reclaiming his rightful place as the ruler of Narnia. A quiet excitement stirred within his people every time his name left their lips.

Aslan, of course, is modeled after the one true King who came to restore His people and establish His kingdom on earth. And we’re called to join Him in that great work—supporting, loving, encouraging, praying, and advocating for those Jesus seeks. 

For some Christians, this will mean giving time and money. Or it could mean directly serving and volunteering in our communities. For others, it means answering a call to reach a specific group of people with God’s love—whether in our own cities or around the world. Or it might be any number of things in between, from fostering and adopting children to simply showing a genuine interest in another person’s welfare.

As you think about your own life, can you see any signs of the work God is doing and how He’s asking you to participate? Can you tell where He is calling you to come closer and remind others that they, too, are made in His image?

When Jesus sent out His disciples, He didn’t send them alone—He had them go in pairs to preach the gospel and minister to the people they encountered. And remember, even in His call to “go and make disciples of all nations,” He’s speaking to us as individuals and as a church community, promising that He’s with us “always, to the very end of the age” (Matt. 28:19-20). We don’t have to do anything alone. Instead, we can choose to follow His lead, knowing that as we go about participating in the work Jesus came here to do, He’s with us every step of the way.

Our mission is to join in Christ’s vision as an outpouring of His love—uplifting, engaging, and supporting the people we encounter. And just as Jesus left His seat next to the Father to go out into a cold world and rescue those who needed it most, we have the opportunity to share the loving message of the gospel in everyday ways.

Digging Deeper

• Try to put yourself in the shoes of the first disciples. Imagine Jesus calling you to drop what you’re doing and follow Him, inviting you to join Him in His work. Take note of how you’re feeling and write down any thoughts you have. 
• What are some of your favorite memories of serving others? Why are you grateful for those opportunities? As you pray this week, take time to thank the Lord for them. Think about how to be more intentional in representing Jesus.
• Think about Christ’s commands to “love your neighbor” and “go therefore and make disciples.” How do these directives work together? What are some ways we can show Christ’s love in day-to-day life?

Prayer

Father, thank You for calling each of us to take part in the work of advancing Your kingdom. Help me to be a good steward of this invitation and reflect your mission in my own community. Show me how to use the unique blessings I’ve received from You for the good of others and, if it’s Your will, to use these interactions to draw people closer to You. Prepare me by Your Spirit to selflessly participate in this work wherever I am and to demonstrate Your love to the people around me. Amen.