The Kingdom of God is...
- Stephan Margeson
- Feb 10
- 3 min read
This is my favorite song as of late. It’s called Oyster Shell by Porter’s Gate Worship. Honestly, instead of reading my article this week, I’d recommend just listening to this song on repeat.
But I’ll say a few words, if you’ll take a moment to read them.
God’s Kingdom is like a grain of sand in an oyster shell, a plant growing in the crack of a sidewalk, and yeast in a batch of bread. These images help us see that God’s Kingdom often begins in the smallest places. In a world as unbalanced as ours feels right now, it’s tempting to hope for a grand act of heaven to set everything right. And yes—God does work in big ways. And the smallest acts of kindness and the dimmest expressions of love are no less significant to God.
This past week, we received an email from someone who has never been to KUMC and doesn’t live anywhere near us. They reached out because they had a friend in our area who could really use community. After looking over our website, they felt a connection to who we are and asked if we might reach out. We did—simply to share some care and prayers. The response we received back was full of gratitude and kindness.
That phone call was a grain of sand. A small plant. Yeast.
And the significance of a grain of sand in an oyster is that it becomes a pearl of immense value. A plant growing in a crack has the power to reshape the space around it. Yeast transforms a simple mixture into something that sustains life—and for the church, it symbolizes the life and love of God in Jesus Christ.
Small acts of loving kindness are like that in a hurting world. They may not seem world-changing, but they create value, offer strength, and bring life to the person who receives them.
I don’t know if this person will ever come to KUMC. But I do know this is how the Kingdom of God is built. Every single person is invited to participate. The invitation to God’s Kingdom is an invitation to help build it.
And because of that, I believe you’ll have an opportunity today.
Who might God be nudging you to reach out to? Give them a call. Send a text. Let them know they’re loved. Ask how you can pray for them.
May you find heaven today.
Will you Pray with me
There’s a few things that we say “everything we do is for this…” Worshipping God, reaching new people, growing disciples. And maybe the biggest one is found in a prayer passed down through thousands of years. Let your Kingdom be present on earth as it is in heaven. These are not passive words - not a waiting for that time to come. They are a petition to make this true in our lives as we live it out!
Our Father in Heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Your Kingdom come, your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread,
and forgive us of our trespasses
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the Kingdom and the power and the glory
forever and ever.
Amen.
“Listening is the first act of loving.”
Steph
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