Seek first the kingdom of God (Part One)

Seek first the kingdom of God (Part One)

By saying, “Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33), Jesus shows us what our main concern as Christians should be. But before we consider the seeking, desiring and promoting of this kingdom, as well as the promise that comes with it, let’s first of all look at the Kingdom of God itself.

The Kingdom of God is the kingdom in which Jesus is King and to which everyone belongs, whom God has saved through faith in Christ. This kingdom is completely different from the earthly kingdoms we know; not just in degrees, but like everything that belongs to God, it is in a class of its own. This kingdom rules over all (Ps 103:19). While all earthly kingdoms pass away, God’s Kingdom owns the future. It comes (Mt 6:10) and remains forever (Ps 145:13). One of its most remarkable characteristics is the perfect justice which reigns there. Righteousness is the foundation of His throne (Ps 89:14).

Sometimes the kingdom of God is best described by the use of contrasts. It is not of this world (John 18:36) and yet it is in the midst of you (Luke 17:21). It is already a present reality and yet we are still waiting for its future fulfilment. Jesus already rules in and over the hearts of His people, but only when He comes again will His Kingdom be visibly established. As a short formula we may want to remember: The Kingdom of God is where Jesus Christ reigns with grace, power and glory!

One of the great wonders of His grace is that He has transferred us to the kingdom of His dear Son through the new birth and conversion; us, who were in the camp of the enemy and in total darkness. We can say with full confidence, the Kingdom of God is now our real home and citizenship (Phil 3:20)! Here we enjoy all the rights and privileges associated with it. This kingdom determines our future! We have received an incomparable treasure (Mt 13:44). What joy!

Unfortunately, the older son in Luke 15 lacked this perspective. To him the “kingdom of his father” had always remained somewhat foreign. That is why he could never really enjoy it. He was blind to his privileges. He lived as if he was working on a “foreign farm” and not in his own (Luke 15:29-31).

It will be a joy for us to seek first the Kingdom of God, when we know the beauty and the treasure of the Kingdom of God and what a privilege it is to belong to it! Has the Kingdom of God become home for you? Do you daily enjoy tasting and seeing how kind the Lord is (Ps 34:9)? Do you gladly live and work here or do you live and work in the Kingdom of God as if you are on a “foreign farm” (like the older son in Luke 15)?