The Kingdom of God may be likened to a statue of pagan antiquity. Carved by an unknown Roman artisan at the behest of a wealthy patron, when the empire was at the height of its power.
The statue depicts an athlete, idealized in form and feature. It is greatly prized by its creator and is given a place of honor where it may be seen by all.
But the empire crumbles under its own weight and is destroyed by its enemies. The statue is toppled and lost to the mud, trampled underfoot.
Centuries pass.
Gradually the vine planted in the east spreads throughout the world and the Church restores much of the education, common-wealth, and appreciation of God’s gifts that had been lost.
The ancient athlete is discovered buried on a hillside and the princes of the Church see in it divinely inspired beauty and craftsmanship that could only be attributed to God’s generous blessings. The statue is recovered, washed clean, restored, and returned to a place of honor.
Just so did God create man, in His own image, beautiful in form and feature. Man was given a place of honor and all creation marveled at this greatest work of the Creator. But man crumbled under the weight of his sinful pride and was cast out, to be buried in the muck and grime of a fallen world.
But God does not forget. In time and in accordance with His will He sends His Son to rescue us, wash away the grime of sin in the waters of baptism, and restore us to the love and Friendship of the Heavenly Father.