The Kingdom of Heaven is at Hand
By Bill Woofenden
"Repent ye; for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." Matthew 3:3
Additional readings: Isaiah 1:1-20
In the childhood of the human race, before men had departed from right ways of life, heaven was near to them. They could be led directly by the Lord, for their hearts and minds were open to him. Of this Golden Age of the human race it is written, "Man walked with God." But we have all read in the history of the human race as revealed in the Scripture the account of how many departed from the way of life and, following the devices of his own heart, closed his mind to the direct reception of goodness and truth from the Lord, until finally he reached a state in which all true knowledge of God and heaven was lost.
Then the Lord came to bring salvation to mankind, and preparation for His reception was made through John the Baptist, the messenger sent in fulfillment of a prophecy given centuries before. John’s message is our text: "Repent ye, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." And when John was put to death, and the Lord began His active ministry in the world, the words of our text were also His first message. For He came to make clear the way of life, and wrong ideas held possession of the minds of men then, as they do of many minds today.
It is not by chance that this first message turns our thoughts to heaven. The purpose of our creation is that we may so live that we shall find our homes in heaven. Belief in heaven had been lost, along with the knowledge about it. And today belief in heaven is for the most part vague, and many think that eternal life does not mean personal existence in the spiritual world, but only the persistence of one’s influence in this world. Great men like Homer, Plato, Moses, Shakespeare, Gladstone, Lincoln, Pasteur, and many others perpetuate themselves in the influence they exert in the minds of living men. This, they say, is what is meant by immortality, by everlasting life. But we should realize that this type of everlasting life is open to the evil as well as to the good. A Diocletian may be remembered forever as well as the beloved Apostle. We need to know the truth that men and women, as individuals, live forever after death in the spiritual world.
But this is not the implication of the text which I have chosen for consideration this morning." The kingdom of heaven is at hand." We know that heaven is not in some remote part of the natural sky, that we cannot say, "Lo, here, or Lo, there" (Luke 17:21). But we are still apt to think of it as far away. We are also inclined to think of it as remote in time. We speak commonly of the "future" world. In the thought of some even, it lies at the indefinitely remote time, when they expect a general resurrection along with others; death is the gateway of heaven, but heaven still seems too distant to be of much practical and present interest.
But the truth is that heaven is far away neither in space nor in time. It is here, it is now, it is "at hand." We live in it now, or we may do so. It is a present reality, the most real and the most important element of the life we are now living. When we speak of heaven, and of living for heaven, we are not, as some charge, setting our hearts on something far away, and despising the real world in which we now are. If one lives for a far-off heaven — and no doubt some have lived so — he may be careless of this world’s joys and sorrows, of opportunities for usefulness, keeping his eyes fixed on some vision of the future. But we may live for heaven and still live thoroughly in the present. We ought to value heaven as the most real of present realities. The Gospel is true: "The kingdom of heaven is at hand."
We are taught in the New Church that heaven is essentially a state of human feeling, thought and life, a state in which love to the Lord and love to the neighbor are the ruling motives. We are taught that no outward paradise which could be made by human or by Divine skill would be a heaven if those affections were absent from the heart, that there is no real or lasting satisfaction except in the exercise of these affections. It follows that we can come into heaven in this world, and live in heaven while we live on earth, for we may learn here to love the Lord and one another, and to find our chief enjoyment in the exercise of these heavenly loves.
But this is an abstract way of speaking. Concretely, heaven is not merely a heavenly state in ourselves; it is the great world of human beings who are living in that state, those people in whose hearts are heavenly affections, whose minds are bright with spiritual light, and whose hands are busy with heavenly works. There are many such people in this world. There are countless more who have gone from the earth to the spiritual world, and are there living the same good life under freer and happier conditions. All these people are heaven.
When we have love to the Lord and the neighbor in ourselves, we are brought spiritually near to those in like affections, both of this world and of the spiritual world. It is not a figure of speech when we say that heaven is about us when we are in heavenly states. It is a literal and positive fact. Heaven is so really around us at such times that if it were granted to us, as it was to Elisha’s servant and to others in Bible days to have our spiritual eyes opened, we should see the angels who are our companions and the beautiful land in which they dwell. Among them we should see and recognize some who were dear to us on earth, who still love and help us, and there would be some whom we had not known before but who would from the first glance seem to us as old friends, because they have similar desires and thoughts. And we should recognize them as the source of our happiness.
The Lord created the world and all things in it. All things in the world were made for man to use and enjoy, from the very materials of the earth to all the myriad things of the vegetable and animal kingdoms, the beast of the field, the fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea. For man’s needs of food, clothing, shelter, for gratification of his senses, and the improvement of his mind these things were made. All these were created and given to man for blessings. But they are subject to one important condition: man must indeed labor to make these things of service to himself, but he must also use them in the service of others. Only so can he have any security or peace. The world of nature and of human beings is not for one man, or a few men, or a nation to control or exploit. Indeed we cannot rightly claim sovereignty over ourselves. We need the guidance of the Lord. And whatever under the Divine Providence we have been able to acquire, whether of material wealth, or of skill, or of learning, we did not acquire it by our unaided efforts. Our daily knowledge of the happenings in the world, our libraries, our schools are made possible by the labor of mind and body of other men and women, great or humble, living or dead. We depend on others and they on us, and life and security today, as always, depend upon the honesty and good will of the community in which we live.
Yet we should also realize that behind the labors and sufferings and the honesty and good will of men stands the Lord. Through His power alone man achieves progress. It is a law of the Divine Providence that man must act in freedom according to reason. This applies to the life of nations as well as to the life of individuals. But the Lord is present and operative always.
For infinitely wise and good reasons, the Lord does not draw the veil aside for us and allow us to see the heavenly world. Some argue that if only they could see heaven, they would believe in it. But to see that world as an outward, objective reality would destroy our freedom. We should be lured by its outward attractiveness, and it would be less possible for us to come into its true spirit.
When we are living in selfish and evil affections, we are in hell. Not only is hell within us at such times but it is also about us, not by a figure of speech, but actually. We are breathing its poisoned atmosphere and, if our eyes were opened, we should see the forms and faces of those who find their life in evil and who exult in influencing others to evil. Why, at least then, does the Lord not draw the veil aside and show us the terribleness of evil? The sight might for the moment frighten us, but we should be less able to shun evil freely because it is evil, and our power to escape permanently from it would be greatly lessened.
If we are tempted to question the Lord’s Providence in not revealing to us more openly the conditions of the good and evil in the spiritual world, we do well to remember His words, "They have Moses and the prophets, let them hear them….If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rose from the dead" (Luke 16:29-31).
The Lord said, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness" (Matthew 6:33). We should seek those good things which endure forever, and should not sacrifice them for the sake of money or health or life itself. To acquire love to the Lord and to the neighbor is the only thing worth living for. Our business dealings should have as their motive the love of use, of service to others. The most necessary thing in making a home is having in it the sunshine of heaven. The only absolute requirement for our happiness as we go to and fro in the ways of the world is that heaven shall go with us. This is to live for heaven, and yet to live must fully in the present. This is the practical meaning of living for heaven.
It may be stated still more simply. Heaven is not heaven from locality, neither is it heaven from anything which belongs to the angels as their own. It is heaven from what is received from the Lord into the lives and hearts of the angels. To be near the Lord, not in place merely, but in heart, to feel the protection and peace of His presence is heaven. Heaven is being near to the Lord and keeping near to Him. There is no other heaven for men or angels.
"The kingdom of heaven is at hand." When John first spoke this message, the kingdom of heaven was in a special sense at hand, because the Lord had come to live with men and to make Himself accessible to them. A power to heal and bless went forth from the Lord during His life on earth. Men obsessed felt his saving power and sat at His feet clothed and in their right mind.
At the Transfiguration Peter said, "Lord, it is good for us to be here" (Matthew 17:4, Mark 9:5, Luke 9:33). In following the Lord, in hearing His Word and in doing His work, they were tasting of heaven. But we need to note that the mere physical nearness of the Lord did not make heaven. Some cried out with fear at His approach. It was not heaven to them. It was not heaven to those who followed Him to accuse and to betray Him. His presence was a blessing only to those who in some measure drew near to Him in spirit.
Even in the Lord’s coming on earth the kingdom of heaven was not forced on me. It was made accessible to them; it was brought within their reach.
It is brought within our reach. Just as there is no royal road to knowledge, there is no royal road to heaven. We must cease to do evil before we can learn to do well. Repentance, the willingness to recognize and acknowledge our faults and weaknesses and to struggle to overcome them opens the door. Heavenly life comes into the soul when selfish desires are replaced by kindly thoughts and the desire to serve. The Lord tell us to seek these heavenly virtues now, not for the sake of honor for ourselves, but that we may be really kind and helpful to others, that our lives may have something of the Lord’s love in them. Then we shall find that life here makes one with heavenly life, and that our Heavenly Father is the Source of happiness in both alike.
Luke 22
1
Now the feast of unleavened bread, which is called the Passover, drew near.
2
The chief priests and the scribes sought how they might put him to death, for they feared the people.
3
Satan entered into Judas, who was surnamed Iscariot, who was numbered with the twelve.
4
He went away, and talked with the chief priests and captains about how he might deliver him to them.
5
They were glad, and agreed to give him money.
6
He consented, and sought an opportunity to deliver him to them in the absence of the multitude.
7
The day of unleavened bread came, on which the Passover must be sacrificed.
8
He sent Peter and John, saying, "Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat."
9
They said to him, "Where do you want us to prepare?"
10
He said to them, "Behold, when you have entered into the city, a man carrying a pitcher of water will meet you. Follow him into the house which he enters.
11
Tell the master of the house, 'The Teacher says to you, "Where is the guest room, Where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?"'
12
He will show you a large, furnished upper room. Make preparations there."
13
They went, found things as he had told them, and they prepared the Passover.
14
When the hour had come, he sat down with the twelve apostles.
15
He said to them, "I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer,
16
for I tell you, I will no longer by any means eat of it until it is fulfilled in the Kingdom of God."
17
He received a cup, and when he had given thanks, he said, "Take this, and share it among yourselves,
18
for I tell you, I will not drink at all again from the fruit of the vine, until the Kingdom of God comes."
19
He took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and gave to them, saying, "This is my body which is given for you. Do this in memory of me."
20
Likewise, he took the cup after supper, saying, "This cup is the new covenant in my blood, which is poured out for you.
21
But behold, the hand of him who betrays me is with me on the table.
22
The Son of Man indeed goes, as it has been determined, but woe to that man through whom he is betrayed!"
23
They began to question among themselves, which of them it was who would do this thing.
24
There arose also a contention among them, which of them was considered to be greatest.
25
He said to them, "The kings of the nations lord it over them, and those who have authority over them are called 'benefactors.'
26
But not so with you. But one who is the greater among you, let him become as the younger, and one who is governing, as one who serves.
27
For who is greater, one who sits at the table, or one who serves? Isn't it he who sits at the table? But I am in the midst of you as one who serves.
28
But you are those who have continued with me in my trials.
29
I confer on you a kingdom, even as my Father conferred on me,
30
that you may eat and drink at my table in my Kingdom. You will sit on thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."
31
The Lord said, "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan asked to have you, that he might sift you as wheat,
32
but I prayed for you, that your faith wouldn't fail. You, when once you have turned again, establish your brothers."
33
He said to him, "Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death!"
34
He said, "I tell you, Peter, the rooster will by no means crow today until you deny that you know me three times."
35
He said to them, "When I sent you out without purse, and wallet, and shoes, did you lack anything?" They said, "Nothing."
36
Then he said to them, "But now, whoever has a purse, let him take it, and likewise a wallet. Whoever has none, let him sell his cloak, and buy a sword.
37
For I tell you that this which is written must still be fulfilled in me: 'He was counted with transgressors.' For that which concerns me has an end."
38
They said, "Lord, behold, here are two swords." He said to them, "That is enough."
39
He came out, and went, as his custom was, to the Mount of Olives. His disciples also followed him.
40
When he was at the place, he said to them, "Pray that you don't enter into temptation."
41
He was withdrawn from them about a stone's throw, and he knelt down and prayed,
42
saying, "Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me. Nevertheless, not my will, but yours, be done."
43
An angel from heaven appeared to him, strengthening him.
44
Being in agony he prayed more earnestly. His sweat became like great drops of blood falling down on the ground.
45
When he rose up from his prayer, he came to the disciples, and found them sleeping because of grief,
46
and said to them, "Why do you sleep? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation."
47
While he was still speaking, behold, a multitude, and he who was called Judas, one of the twelve, was leading them. He came near to Jesus to kiss him.
48
But Jesus said to him, "Judas, do you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?"
49
When those who were around him saw what was about to happen, they said to him, "Lord, shall we strike with the sword?"
50
A certain one of them struck the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear.
51
But Jesus answered, "Let me at least do this"--and he touched his ear, and healed him.
52
Jesus said to the chief priests, captains of the temple, and elders, who had come against him, "Have you come out as against a robber, with swords and clubs?
53
When I was with you in the temple daily, you didn't stretch out your hands against me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness."
54
They seized him, and led him away, and brought him into the high priest's house. But Peter followed from a distance.
55
When they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard, and had sat down together, Peter sat among them.
56
A certain servant girl saw him as he sat in the light, and looking intently at him, said, "This man also was with him."
57
He denied Jesus, saying, "Woman, I don't know him."
58
After a little while someone else saw him, and said, "You also are one of them!" But Peter answered, "Man, I am not!"
59
After about one hour passed, another confidently affirmed, saying, "Truly this man also was with him, for he is a Galilean!"
60
But Peter said, "Man, I don't know what you are talking about!" Immediately, while he was still speaking, a rooster crowed.
61
The Lord turned, and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the Lord's word, how he said to him, "Before the rooster crows you will deny me three times."
62
He went out, and wept bitterly.
63
The men who held Jesus mocked him and beat him.
64
Having blindfolded him, they struck him on the face and asked him, "Prophesy! Who is the one who struck you?"
65
They spoke many other things against him, insulting him.
66
As soon as it was day, the assembly of the elders of the people was gathered together, both chief priests and scribes, and they led him away into their council, saying,
67
"If you are the Christ, tell us." But he said to them, "If I tell you, you won't believe,
68
and if I ask, you will in no way answer me or let me go.
69
From now on, the Son of Man will be seated at the right hand of the power of God."
70
They all said, "Are you then the Son of God?" He said to them, "You say it, because I am."
71
They said, "Why do we need any more witness? For we ourselves have heard from his own mouth!"
