The kingdom of heaven is here, and it is something that we need to possess, and therefore it will be costly to us. So this morning, if you don't know that you are loved by God, hear this. That your name is written on the palm of His hand, that God has called you by name, and you are beloved. Not because you're going to pass your exams, although that will help you in life. Not because you get everything right. Because he just loves you. Know that God loves you and calls you by name.
And if you don't know that Jesus has saved you, listen to this: that God so loved the world that He gave His only Son for you. Not just for the person sitting next to you or behind you, but for you. And know that the kingdom of heaven is here because you are salt and light. I can touch and see the kingdom of heaven this morning in this place. I can see the kingdom of God here. Hallelujah! (Amen!).
And know that each of you has the ability to shine like lights in the world, to be salt, to be yeast, to be that mustard seed that affects everything, by what you do and how you do it. Knowing that as you follow a career in nursing and midwifery, you have the difference, the difference that can change people's lives in the ordinary things that you do, it will transform lives and your community. Never underestimate what you do.
And if you're here studying, know that you have the ability to gain knowledge that will change the world, but also to shape who you are. That you will show compassion to the stranger. That you will sit with the person that is weeping, as well as rejoice with those who rejoice.
The kingdom of heaven is like a pearl. And do you know how pearls are created? Grit. Grit gets in that oyster shell. And the truth is, some of the lessons that we learn in our lives, some of the lessons that you are going to learn in your lives, will be hard ones. But maybe the most beautiful things come out of those challenges, the grit that turns into a pearl.
Now I'm going to just talk to the young women in this room. Young women, know that you are loved by God, that you are called by name. Don't let anyone tell you that you cannot be the person that you want to be.
I have to say, I always think I'm pretty ordinary. I've got a life that's rooted in God. I listen to Him. I pray. I depend on Him when the going gets tough. I know that the God who has called me is faithful. So, women and girls, know that you are loved by God. That you can be what you want to be. You have to be a bit resilient. You have to be a bit tough. You have to work hard, but you have to believe in yourself that God has loved you and calls you by name.
The kingdom of heaven is here. So let us this morning rejoice in a God who loves us. Let us follow a Christ who died for us, and let us open ourselves to the Holy Spirit so that it can shine through us and transform the world, and bring the kingdom of heaven to earth. To bring the kingdom of heaven to Ghana. To bring the kingdom of heaven to St Monica's. To bring the kingdom of heaven to this community and place.
Hallelujah (amen). God is good (all the time). All the time (God is good).
Thank you.
