“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need” Matthew 6:33
The Kingdom of God is prevenient. It existed along before mankind understood the concept of kingdoms. It is also presumptive. It need not be asserted or defended. It simply “is” and will always be. Failure to apprehend this truth is at the core of all our human troubles.
On the other hand, integrating this truth into the soul of our being satisfies every need known to man. But...it’s not a natural course for us to take.
The story of the Levite’s wife (Judges 19) who was raped and murdered is prefaced by the phrase “In those days Israel had no king.” The account concludes with “In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.” (Judges 21:25). Libertarianism...in the extreme, had been tried and found wanting. Israel needed a king to restore and maintain order. At least that’s what the people thought. So, they demanded Samuel pick them a king.
Samuel didn’t disagree except to say “you have a king...his name is Yahweh.”
In one sentence, the judge unraveled one of the greatest mysteries known; why is life so difficult? Samuel’s answer implies life is difficult because we are constantly looking for other kings to save us. And...that search always results in more heartache. He warned the Israelites but they wouldn’t listen, Samuel was right, Israel’s dalliance with other kings was a remarkable failure...it split the country. To be fair, the kings were often no more at fault than the stubborn, stiff-necked people. But, if we follow a flawed leader we will reap flawed results. Only Yahweh has the capacity to rule in righteousness.
The existential question every. Human being is required to answer is...will I kneel before my King, Yahweh, or will I seek another? The answer will determine the course of our life. So, if choose the Kingdom of God, what does that mean?
I’m reminded of the oath of Office I took, five separate times, while I was in the military: I, Lee Thompson, do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God.
The Kingdom of God has a similar expectation; “God’s house...God’s rules...” This is where most of humanity decides not to join the military, or the Kingdom of God, because it requires too much self-denial. Unfortunately, many of us are just like Israel; we have found another king...and its us. And, we wonder why our lives seem like Ground Hog’s Day.
Jesus, LOGOS, is the final word on this subject and He has some things to say...primarily in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). First, entry into God’s Kingdom requires a certain attitude that will naturally unlock the blessings of God. “Blessed are” Μακάριοι means “fortunate, well off, happy, on the right path.”
1. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven
“I have failed God”
2. Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted
“I’m heartbroken over my failure”
3. Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth
“I’ll do whatever God requires to be rehabilitated”
4. Blessed are they who hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
“I will make the pursuit of God my primary goal”
5. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
“I will not judge those who haven’t joined this journey”
6. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
“I will be honest about my progress every step of the way”
7. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called sons of God.
“I will help others along the way”
8. Blessed are they that have been persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
“I will not be dissuaded, no matter what the cost”
God’s Kingdom exists with, or without, my assent and, is my only hope for eternal peace and prosperity. What am I looking for? What do I need? Its all right before me...in God’s Kingdom...If I simply choose. Israel had a king, she just didn’t know it. Am I guilty of the same misunderstanding? My first step is to dethrone any other kings I’ve installed in my life.
Live boldly out there today...
