a travel writer and the kingdom of heaven

23Feb
by Jon Swanson

I was listening to Rick Steves the other day. He does travel shows on public television. He concentrates on Europe. He wants people to become “temporary locals,” to live like residents of the country.

In the interview, he talked about his sense of responsibility as a travel writer to visit places that are portrayed in the media as “dangerous places” so his viewers and readers can know what things are really like on the ground. He talked about being in Mexico City on New Year’s Eve, for example, and feeling a sense of safety in this country that is highlighted for its dangers.

I listened to him and thought, “There need to be travel writers for the kingdom of heaven.”

I’m not talking about people who have almost died. Quite the opposite. I’m talking about people who have fully lived. Jesus suggested that we ask that the kingdom come and that God’s will be done on earth the way that it is in heaven. Somehow, some way, glimpses of the kingdom can be found now.

So we need travel writers who are visiting those places, living as temporary locals, and then writing about it.

Luke wrote that way in the book of Acts. The back half of the book reads a little like a travel guide anyway. He talks about the people of various towns and cities. The culture, the character of the people. The challenges of travelling the Mediterranean.

But it really isn’t about Philippi or Athens or Corinth. It’s really about what happens when people decide to live as if the kingdom of heaven is a real place. As if the rules of Rome and Jerusalem don’t apply nearly as much as the rule of “Love God, Love each other. ” As if the greatest risk is staying home.

6 thoughts on “a travel writer and the kingdom of heaven”

  1. Michael J. Fast's avatar

    functionalchurch

    Great piece! Isn’t this what evangelism is all about? Not some vague promises of eternal personal salvation but a chance to participate in the Kingdom? Sounds fabulous. That is something to get excited about.

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  2. Rich Dixon's avatar

    Rich Dixon

    Okay–help me understand. Living temporarily in a part of the kingdom and then reporting back–is that what you’re describing?

    If that’s it, then I’m thinking backwards or inside-out or something. I’ve been trying to think of myself as a resident alien here, because my true citizenship is somewhere else. Your metaphor suggests that perhaps I’m denying the true presence of the kingdom right here and right now.

    Please stop making me think so hard. I still haven’t gotten my mind around “prayer doesn’t work.” 🙂

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    1. Jon Swanson's avatar

      Jon Swanson

      Rich

      “made you blink.” This is the germ of a metaphor, not a full-blown one. Though the more I think about it, the more I want to pursue it. But here are some thoughts. 1. if you are a resident alien, then isn’t the kingdom extended to where you are? 2. if, to switch metaphors, the followers of Jesus are His Body, isn’t there kingdom where that Body is? 3. We do, to use Paul’s image in 1 cor 13, see dimly what we will understand fully about God and his love.

      Oh. And on “Prayer doesn’t work” I’m storytelling. I hear often that prayer doesn’t work. I’m exploring what counts as working. And some of the time, I have expectations and obedience all muddled up.

      And I know that in that last sentence are all kinds of loaded thoughts.

      Thanks for conversing Rich.

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  3. Kjersten Halvorsen's avatar

    Kjersten Halvorsen

    I couldn’t agree more. In fact, my heart’s desire would be to enter the writing world in a manner similar to what you’ve described as a counselor,writer, and photographer. At this point I’m unsure what exactly that might look like – yet I know Father is able to open what needs to be open and provide what needs to be provided to enter such a way of life.

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