When we were little most of us liked to color.  Coloring books were fun,  and they sure were the way to go when we didn't have enough skill to create our own picture that people could recognize. 

As we got older some of us were braver and drew our own pictures from a blank piece of paper.  Some of us are better at it than others.

Some of us are masters.  But even from the beginning of the coloring we felt that we were being inspired.

Jesus was a master at painting pictures.  He painted pictures of the Kingdom and not just a by-and-by Kingdom, but one that He came to proclaim and establish on earth.

Jesus was also a master at creating coloring books for us.  I believe the Beatitudes that we read again for All Saints are like a coloring book designed by Jesus, custom made of His disciples.  He draws us a picture of what God's Kingdom looks like -- where those who mourn will rejoice and those who are meek will find a place and the poor will have enough.  And then we get to color this picture and make it come alive with the inspiration of the Spirit.

When we try to draw our own picture of the Kingdom we don't always do so well. Jesus knew this. Some people get too important, some don't get enough, and those who are too meek to claim their share get nothing.

So Jesus hands us this picture of the Kingdom and gives us an incredible pallet of colors to fill it in with.  He not only gave us all colors of people but of food and clothing.  And some things we get to improvise.  What is the color of justice or compassion?  And what does it look like to be persecuted for the sake if Jesus and the Kingdom?

Some of us like to go out and draw our own pictures, but when it comes to pictures of the Kingdom I think I will start with Jesus picture and try to keep within the lines.

Lord, We give you thanks that you not only gave us a clear picture of the Kingdom but gave your life to make us citizens and painter in this Kingdom.  Amen