Transcript:

Hello this is Pastor Don of Christ Redeemer Church. Welcome to The Kingdom Perspective.

If we were to peel back the universe to see what’s underneath it—to discover its source, the very essence of reality—we would not find a mathematical or scientific formula, nor a moral to do list, nor even a theological doctrinal statement. All these things are good, true, and necessary, but they are not the ultimate thing. Rather, we would find a perfect, eternal, untainted relationship of self-giving love! A divine community (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) in an infinite relationship of mutual self-giving—perfectly and equally sharing being, glory, and delight, from eternity to eternity. One God in three Persons, and three Person in One God.

What does this mean? Well, most basically, it means that love is what is ultimately real, for love is the very essence of God’s nature. Thus, as Christians we do not have a thin and sentimental view of love. Love is real. It exists apart from our feelings. It exists from all eternity.

In making us in His image, God meant for us to reflect this glory. We were to find our life in His self-giving Love. Thus, the biblical concept of sin is a brokenness in the beauty and wholeness of that relationship of love—it’s a dis-ease, a dis-harmony.

We have no life apart from that love. And so, any person, any “self”, that does not exist to serve and give themselves away for others is a corruption of what it means to be a “person”, of what it means to be a “self”.

And that’s something to think about from The Kingdom Perspective.

“At that time Jesus declared, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’”

~ Matthew 11:25-29 (ESV)