More About the Kingdom
Do you want to be a part of God’s Kingdom?
Verse of the Day
‘And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it’
Matthew 24:14a
Today’s Devotional
Do we really want to be part of God’s Kingdom? Do we want it theoretically but not when it comes time to obey? Do we want to want it, but when the rubber meets the road, we don;t want to submit to God’s authority? I know those are big questions to kick us off today, but these are the questions that are rolling around in my head. Let’s continue looking at what the Word teaches us about the Kingdom of God.
- A little goes a long way. ‘Jesus said, “How can I describe the Kingdom of God? What story should I use to illustrate it? It is like a mustard seed planted in the ground. It is the smallest of all seeds, but it becomes the largest of all garden plants; it grows long branches, and birds can make nests in its shade.”’ (Mark 4:30-32)
- It is incredibly valuable and worth giving up our earthly possessions for it. “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement, he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field. Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!” (Matthew 13:44-46)
- We must endure hardships to enter. “They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the Kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22)
- We must recognize our need for God to enter. “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.” (Matthew 5:3)
- Obedience is required. “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in heaven will enter.” (Matthew 7:21)
- The Father WANTS to give us the Kingdom. “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.” (Luke 12:32)
- Having childlike faith helps us in God’s Kingdom. “But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” (Matthew 19:14)
- The Kingdom will be very diverse, but not everyone will be a part of it. The ones “thrown out” were likely the Jews who did not accept Jesus to be the Savior. “There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, for you will see Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and all the prophets in the Kingdom of God, but you will be thrown out. And people will come from all over the world—from east and west, north and south—to take their places in the Kingdom of God. And note this: Some who seem least important now will be the greatest then, and some who are the greatest now will be least important then.”’ (Luke 13:28-30)
- Life on this earth will not always be pleasant for the people of the Kingdom. “God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.” (Matthew 5:10)
The verse that stands out to me today, in light of our study on simplicity, is that we would be willing to sell (or part with) all of our worldly possessions if that was what was required to attain the treasure that is the Kingdom of God. Our worldly goods don’t even compare to what awaits us in heaven, where there will be nothing competing for God’s authority. But the Kingdom of God doesn’t exist solely in heaven. It is here. Now. We can choose to be a part of it. Or we can forge our own path. Are we willing to seek this Kingdom? Are we willing to follow the path God has laid out, even when it goes against everything that this world is showing us and enticing us with? God promises us that His way is better. Do we believe Him?
Journal Prompts
Answer only the questions that seem relevant to you today.
What kinds of things does the world entice you with?
How do you struggle or wrestle with what the Bible says about the Kingdom of God?
How can you show God that you are willing to seek His Kingdom?
Do you believe God that His way is better? Why or why not?