“…For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.” 1 Corinthians 4:20
Dear Ones:
The Lord Jesus instructs us to “Seek FIRST the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matthew 6:33) Why? Because the will of God is that His will be done on earth AS IT IS IN HEAVEN, and the consequent glory of God be revealed. What does the phrase, “…the kingdom of God,” mean? There are two defining points which give us understanding. The first is the word “king,” found in the larger word kingdom. Immediately we are confronted with authority, rule, a reigning monarch. There is no one higher than the king, nor greater. He has the first and final word in all things, because he possesses the greatest power and authority, knowledge and wisdom. The second word of significance is “God.” As soon as we say the word, our thoughts of the King and His reign are elevated. Not only are we dealing with the elements of power and authority, but that which is of heaven, of the Creator and Redeemer Himself. The whole concept of the “kingdom of God” lifts us up into the eternal, the sovereign glory, power, and will of God. What then are the characteristics of this kingdom?
We discover that the Apostle Paul makes it very clear that, foundational to every manifestation of the kingdom is the power of God, His authority. It is that revelation of Christ’s everlasting strength, and consequent quickening of His children, that brings us to have faith, “…not… in the wisdom of men, but IN the power of God.” (1 Cor. 2:5) Jesus would tell His disciples before He was taken into heaven, “All power (authority) is given unto Me in heaven and in earth…” (Matt. 28:18) On the day of Pentecost, when the Spirit was poured out upon all flesh, specifically upon the disciples, the POWER of God was revealed. The Lord had said unto the disciples, “…But you shall receive POWER, after that the Holy Spirit is come upon you.” (Acts 1:8) So then, we see that, as His kingdom comes, there is the manifestation of His power.
There are other characteristics of this kingdom. To the Romans, the Apostle Paul would write: “…For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (Rom. 14:17) It is a normal, and certain result of Christ’s reign in the heart, that His righteousness, peace, and joy, should be increasingly revealed in the life of the believer. Isaiah would write: “…Of the INCREASE of His government (reign) and peace there shall be no end.” (Is. 9:7) There is an old hymn which declares: “…and as Thy kingdom doth increase, so shall Thine ever-deepening peace.” Christ’s reign, His kingdom, and his power, righteousness, peace and joy, go hand in hand.
Dear Father, reign in our hearts today. Lord Jesus, BE our great King, Sovereign Lord this day, so that Thy power, righteousness, joy and peace will be revealed in and through us on this earth. Fill us with Thy Life Divine, that the world may know something of Thy great goodness, and the love of Thy saving heart. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Love, Dad