Is there anything too wonderful for God?

I think many people wonder about what it looks like when the kingdom of God draws near. What it feels like, smells like, sounds like when we encounter, share, and live into God’s kingdom come. How we know when we are a part of God’s will unfolding around us. God’s very presence and good news interrupting lives: ours, our neighbors, our community, our world.

On Sunday, June 18, I wondered about this as we listened to Abraham and Sarah’s encounter with the Lord in Genesis 18:1-14. What does it look, feel, sound, smell, and taste like when the Lord draws near to their camp by the oaks of Mamre? I can’t tell you the whole story here, but this what we discovered.

It looks like three strangers arriving at their camp. It includes an invitation to rest in the shade of a tree and an offer to renew their weary feet with a bucket of cool water. It smells like bread baking, a calf roasting on a spit, and a meal shared. It sounds like conversation and generous hospitality. It includes promise. Laughter when the promise sounds too good to be true. And, it feels like healing from a life of barrenness, which eventually becomes a blessing for the nations.

Where have you experienced the presence of God in similar ways? A stranger or strangers, interrupting your life for good? Someone offering you hospitality, a place to rest, and undeserved generosity (grace). How about a conversation that takes an unexpected turn? One encouraging and inviting you to think about a situation in your life differently? With promise and possibility instead of fear and dead-ends? When have you laughed at the possibility of healing, of being made whole, of a prayer finally being answered? Of being a blessing to the nations?

Take some time this week thinking about these kinds of moments in your life. A moment when the Lord’s presence became known to you. Keep your senses alert for these moments as you make your way through this week. For this is the good news Jesus sent the disciples out with, “The kingdom of heaven is here.” (Matthew 10:7).

And, with this good news, they offered what Jesus came to show us and live for us: healing, peace, and liberation. For this is what God envisions for this world God so loves. Conversations begun under the shade of a tree. Healing offered to mend the deep wounds and brokenness passed from generation to generation, until walls of fear, anger, hopelessness, and suspicion crumble. And, in their place — the capacity to care — to love and be loved returns.

Is anything too wonderful for the Lord?

Lori Morton is pastor of First Lutheran Church in Sandpoint. She can be reached at flcpastorlori@frontier.com.