SUB-THEME: PRINCIPLES OF UNLIMITED ADVANCEMENT AND ALL-ROUND FRUITFULNESS
TOPIC: THE PRINCIPLE AND MEANING OF SEEKING FIRST THE KINGDOM
TEXT: Joshua 23:15-16; Matthew 6:33
Unlimited advancement and all-round fruitfulness are God’s mandate for His people in this year and beyond. This promise is premised primarily on seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. What exactly does “seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness” mean?
It involves putting God first in all that we do. It also involves prioritising God's rule and righteousness above all else, including the basic necessities of life. It is a call to trust in God’s provision and to align ourselves with God's purposes and values.
God’s kingdom is the reign of Jesus; it is the realm where Jesus’ authority is acknowledged as supreme and obeyed. God’s kingdom is to be sought and obeyed in three ways: 1) within our own lives; 2) in our circle of immediate influence; and 3) as far around the world as we can reach.
"His righteousness" simply means the kingdom lifestyle. It has to do with obeying the rules that guide the kingdom. We can not say we are part of the kingdom if we live contrary to the rules governing the kingdom.
The implication therefore is that we are putting God’s concerns ahead of our own—seeking HIS agenda with all our hearts. When we do that, Jesus says that for the rest of our lives, He will take care of us. Now, does that mean we are guaranteed a perfectly smooth life in all other ways with no problems ever? Not exactly. It means that if you will give yourself to God’s cause in the world rather than fretting about your private needs, He will make sure you have all you need in life and all you need to do His will. Jesus views the pursuit of worldly wealth and security as not the primary purpose of life. Instead, he emphasises the primacy of spiritual matters, specifically seeking "the kingdom of God and his righteousness."
In Joshua 23:15–16, there are dire consequences for neglecting to place priority on Jesus and His kingdom. This could manifest as losses, pain, destruction, and even death.
PRAYERS:
1. Almighty God, whose blessed Son did as on this day rise again for us, victorious over sin and the grave: Grant that we, being risen with Him, may set our affection on things above, not on things on the earth; that when He who is our life shall appear, we may also appear with Him in glory; through the same our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen (Colossians 3:1-4).
2. O Lord, grant me grace to continually walk according to Kingdom principles.
3. O Lord, help me to overcome the distractions of the world.
4. Lord, grant me grace not to operate in the philosophy of this world.
Comments