God’s Realm, Jesus’ Kingdom, is different than the earthly ones. It isn’t different because it’s unreal, otherworldly or some sort of fairy tale. It’s different because it’s built on a radically different foundation. Liberation and Peace come not through military triumph, but through love, service and self-sacrifice. It’s the essential characteristic of the God we worship. It’s fitting that the cross has become the symbol of our faith.

God’s love is self-sacrificial. God’s love is outward directed, not inwardly directed. God isn’t insisting on self-homage. God is asking us to follow – because that’s the only way to truly have life.