AD-D

We're all familiar with Attention Deficit Disorder. We even know about ADHD: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. But I think I have diagnosed a new disease within the Church.

(Technically, it is not a new disease. I am just isolating the condition and putting a name to it.)

This condition is called AD-ADD, or AD-D for short.

The name stems from a dating convention that was established in the sixth century by a monk named "Dennis the Little." He calculated the year that Jesus Christ was born based upon the historical information contained in the gospel accounts. The years before Christ's birth were eventually labeled "Before Christ" or "BC."

Contrary to popular opinion, "AD" does not stand for "After Death." It is an abbreviation of the Latin phrase Anno Domini, which means "the year of our Lord." This is why it properly belongs before the date: e.g. A.D. 2007 = "in the year of our Lord 2007."

So what's my point? Most Christians have forgotten what A.D. means.

Ancient calendars often were based on the establishment of a government. The year was calculated from the beginning of a dynasty or the reign of a ruler. The Roman calendar was based upon the traditional date for the founding of the city (A.U.C.). After the French Revolution, the new Republic started over the numbering of years to reflect the new order.

The designation A.D. is likewise an indication of a radical new order. It marks the beginning of a revolution.

Jesus established a new kingdom.

This doesn't just mean that he made it possible for us to go to heaven when we die. The "kingdom of God" is not just a different way to say "heaven." It is a real kingdom with a real king (MP3).

Jesus came to reclaim his rightful place as Lord.

The claim that "Jesus is Lord" is subversive. It means that Jesus is Lord and nothing else is. All other powers have been defeated.

Yet we live in an era of transition. The victory has been won, but the enemy refuses to concede. It is still trying to produce as many casualties as possible even though it has no chance of winning.

And we have a responsibility to advance this kingdom.

When we pray, "Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven," we are pledging our allegiance to this government. And we are committing ourselves to its advancement.

There is coming a day when it will be said, "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever." In the meantime, we are agents of the new Lord. And we are called to participate in his work to bring all things under his authority.

So what is AD-D?

It is a lack of focus on the Lord (Domini) and an inclination to be distracted from his kingdom work.

We say, "Sure, I believe that Jesus died for me and that one day he will come back to take his people to heaven," but then we live in complicity with the powers that he defeated. We are unwitting collaborators with the enemy.

We say, "Jesus is Lord," on Sunday. And Monday we do whatever is necessary to get ahead and to maintain our standard of living.

Jesus is not dead. He is the reigning Lord.

We have been called to participate in his kingdom. And we cannot afford to lose our concentration.

Pastor Rod

"Helping You Become the Person God Created You to Be"