“…But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33
Dear Ones:
When Jesus began His ministry, He began by preaching: “Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17) What did He mean by this? In Psalm 2, David writes concerning God’s Son,” by saying: “Yet have I set My King upon My holy hill of Zion.” (v.6) In Isaiah’s writings, and the wondrous description of God given in chapter 9, he writes of this Child who is born, this Son who is given: “…and the government shall be upon His shoulder.” During the interview that Jesus had with Pontius Pilot just before His crucifixion, He confronted Pilot with the reality of His Kingship: “My kingdom is not of this world.” He said to him: “….Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into this world, that I should bear witness unto the truth.” (Jn. 18:37) What is Jesus seeking to make clear to Pilot? It is the truth of His kingship, His reign, that exceeds and excels all others for time and eternity. How does the knowledge of Christ’s kingship, and His kingdom, affect individual men and women, boys and girls? The answer lies in part in the grasping of His power and authority, and the heavenly blessings of His reign ON EARTH as they are IN HEAVEN. Isaac Watts, in his great hymn, “Jesus Shall Reign,” illustrates the meaning of the kingdom so very clearly: “Blessings abound wherever He reigns: The prisoner leaps to lose his chains. The weary find eternal rest, And all the sons of want are blessed.”
What then is the meaning of the kingdom of God, the kingdom of heaven, which was the great theme of Christ’s preaching, and an integral part of the power of the Gospel, those “good tidings” which were declared to the shepherds at Jesus’ birth?
The first, and most basic component of this kingdom, is the power and authority of the King…He reigns, exerts His authority, and reveals His power. Paul would write to the Corinthian believers: “For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.” (1 Cor. 5:20) Jesus, in speaking to his disciples after the resurrection, would say unto them: “…all power (and authority) has been given to me in heaven and in earth…” (Matt. 28:18) In speaking on the subject of great faith, the Lord would use the example of a centurion, who had greater faith than any in Israel. Why? Because he understood what submission to authority meant. The one who submits to authority, will be given authority. Jesus submitted perfectly, and forever, to the authority of His Father, therefore, He was given “all power and authority,” to communicate to those who would truly believe in Him, submitting to His authority.
Another aspect, or component of this kingdom, is its essence, or “nature.” Paul would write to the Romans: “for the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteous, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (14:17) This righteousness, peace, and joy, are those “abounding blessings” of which Isaac Watts spoke. The essence of the kingdom, and its power, is the very Life of Christ, manifested by the working of the Spirit. There will be the “demonstration,” or revelation, of the Life of Christ in and through the believer, who lives under the authority of His King, walking and living a life of faith in Him. What then is the call of God with respect to this matter of the kingdom?
The preaching, and thus, call of the kingdom is first and foremost the call to pray in a certain way. “Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” (Matt. 6:9,10) Prayer is essential to understanding the reality of the kingdom. Secondly, one must “…seek first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (6:33) It is in seeking His reign that true blessing abounds.
Dear Father, Teach us the way of the Kingdom, on earth as in heaven. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad