let's get deep

I've been attending a small group/bible study and we have been covering for the last few weeks what it means to be part of His kingdom and to try to see things from the Kingdom's perspective. We studied the parable of the workers (matt 20:1-16) and why would the landowner (God) pay the workers equally despite the various hours they had worked. What does it mean to be a worker in God's kingdom/vineyard? we compared those who were hired first strong and healthy--allowed to be in the vineyard working for the landowner, learning and being part something beautiful verses those who were left till the end, waiting at the dirty marketplace. the last to be chosen because they were too weak to be hired and rejected from society. Perhaps its not about the merit or the hardwork put it, its not about the money paid or the time card punched-- its about what or who needs more compassion, more grace, or just needs. "for its better to be one day in his courts, than thousands elsewhere" and "the last will be first, and the first will be last." Yesterday our study leader decided to show a movie to address God's encompassing kingdom. the movie "the invisible children"--- is about children from the northern Uganda who were being abducted, exploited by the rebel army-- programmed to kill. Children 5-14 living in fear of being taken, leaving their homes in the villages every night and banning together to be safe. no leaders, no parents, just children. Despite their dire conditions they give thanks to God for living another day, praising him for keeping them safe and away from harm, and hopeful for the joy they will receive when they are in heaven. I encourage everyone to see this movie made by three college students venturing to another country to document the story of these children..visit the website www.invisiblechildren.com. There are many showings but there is one happening in Berkeley on Apr 4th Perhaps all we can do is spread the word and raise awareness. Fight for the children who have no one fighting for them.