His Kingdom Here | Reflection by Claire Stemann '20
The past four years have opened my eyes to the brokenness of this world, but have also formed in me a new understanding of the call to bring God’s Kingdom to this world. Because of my experience interning at International Justice Mission and studying public policy, I’ve wept about broken criminal justice systems abroad as well as punitive policies in the States. I’ve prayed for the end of impunity, while also praying for mercy. It is challenging for me to hold these things together, but not for Jesus.
The call to bring God’s Kingdom to earth was unfamiliar to me before my time at UVA. Here, I have learned that Jesus is making all things new, and we are given the privilege to participate in this work with other followers of Jesus. People have taught me how justice and human dignity were originally championed by the church. Since first encountering these ideas, my time here has allowed me to grow to better understand the call to bring God’s Kingdom to this earth that He loves.
Before a recent Fellows gathering, we read about how lament “allows for the crying out against injustices.” Our hope of triumph over injustice “rests not on human strength to fix the problems of the world but on the power of a sovereign God.” This reading and another recent conversation are teaching me to be cautious to avoid seeking the Kingdom apart from the King. As my friends and I prepare to pursue justice in countless fields through endeavors that are pleasing to God, this reading reminds us not to rely on our strength, but rather on God’s power, as we work to bring the good things of His Kingdom to our world.
The concept of justice being central to the Christian life is something that I will carry with me as I leave this school that I love. Encountering God’s Word through learning about Amos in an Old Testament course, the faithful teaching of my campus minister, truth spoken at the church I attend in Charlottesville, and discussions with a small group of fourth years that meet on Thursday evenings (my fellow Fellows!) has better prepared me to seek the things of the Kingdom, such as justice, with the King.