Text- Matthew 6:33 – “But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you”
It is often said that there are three basic needs of man: Food, shelter and clothing. But Jesus, in the passage of scripture where today’s text is taken from, commanded us to take no thought for these things.
Jesus would rather have us seek first the kingdom of God. He would rather have us set our affections on things above, not on things on the earth.
“If yet then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” – Colossians 3:1-2
Notice that when the disciples asked Jesus, “Teach us to pray”, the opening sentence of the prayer He taught them is “Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be your name; your KINGDOM come”
In closing the prayer also, He taught them to say, “For thine is the KINGDOM… forever and ever”.
Jesus talked so much about the Kingdom. He spoke about the Kingdom more than any other subject during His earthly ministry. The Kingdom of God was the central theme of His life and ministry. His focus was, and still is the kingdom!
Matthew 4:17 told us that after Jesus fasted in the wilderness was tempted by the devil and overcame, “From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand”
In the same vein, when Jesus sent out his early apostles, he sent them out with only one message – the Kingdom. Luke 9:2 says, “And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God”
Beloved, the Kingdom of God is the heartbeat of Christ, and as dear children if God, it must become our heartbeats too. When we do this, Jesus promised that all the other things that others rum after will be added unto us.
The primary place where seeking the kingdom starts in praying the establishment of the Kingdom (God’s system of operation; His rule and His reign) first in our hearts, then on the earth. We must prioritize the kingdom of God above every other earthly pursuit, human endeavor, and life issues.
We must seek first the kingdom of God, and not allow the cares of this life to distract us from doing this.
PRAYER
My father who art in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Let your kingdom be established in increasing measures in my heart, and on this earth in Jesus Name. Amen.
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