Posted on 03/21/2023 4:17:45 AM PDT by metmom
"Thy kingdom come" (Matt. 6:10).
The only acceptable response to Christ’s offer of the Kingdom is to receive it, value it, and pursue it!
Many people who think they're kingdom citizens will someday be shocked to discover they aren't. In Matthew 7:21 Jesus says, "Not everyone who says to Me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven." Some people think highly of the kingdom but never receive the King. They call Jesus "Lord" but don't do His will. Lip service won't do. You must receive the King and His kingdom (John 1:12).
You must also value the kingdom. In Matthew 13:44 Jesus says, "The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure." In verses 45-46 He compares it to a pearl that was so valuable, a merchant sold all he had to purchase it. That's the value of the kingdom. It's worth any sacrifice you have to make.
Finally, you must continually pursue the kingdom. In Matthew 6:33 Jesus says, "Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added to you." In context He was discussing the basic necessities of life such as food and clothing, reminding His disciples that their Heavenly Father knew their needs and would supply them if they simply maintained the proper priorities. Unbelievers characteristically worry about meeting their own needs (v. 32), but believers are to be characterized by trusting in God and pursuing His kingdom.
Christ offers His kingdom to everyone (Matt. 28:19). The only acceptable response is to receive it, value it, and pursue it. Is that your response? Have you received the kingdom? Is it precious to you? I trust it is. If so, rejoice and serve your King well today. Make His kingdom your top priority. If not, turn from your sin and submit your life to Christ, who loves you and longs to receive you into His eternal kingdom.
Suggestions for Prayer
Thank God for the heavenly citizenship you hold (Phil. 3:20-21).
Ask Him to help you keep His priorities uppermost in your life.
For Further Study
Read Revelation 21 and 22. As you do, think of what eternity with Christ will be like. What aspects of eternity do you especially look forward to?
From Drawing Near by John MacArthur Copyright © 1993. Used by permission of Crossway Books, a division of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, IL 60187, www.crossway.com.
Studying God’s Word ping
Many people will read this and mistakenly read works into it. In context, Jesus was stating that righteousness must exceed even the most pious among them if they expect to enter the Kingdom of Heaven. That righteousness does NOT come from works, but is the gift of Grace, obtained through faith, in and of Jesus Christ. Jesus states that mankind must do the will of the Father. So what is God’s will that Jesus is describing? No, it is NOT trying to become pious yourself by following a set of rules, saying the right things, thinking the right things, doing the right things...Gods will is for us to repent, and come to God on His terms, by placing ones God given faith and trust in Jesus Christ and what He did for us at he Cross. Without faith, it truly is impossible to please God.
AMEN!
Paul deals with that whole issue in Galatians.
Galatians 3:1-3 O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?
Many people who think they’re kingdom citizens will someday be shocked to discover they aren’t. In Matthew 7:21 Jesus says, “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven; but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven.” Some people think highly of the kingdom but never receive the King. They call Jesus “Lord” but don’t do His will. Lip service won’t do.
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Terrifying! Enough so to wake us up!!
It is.
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