In the concluding part of the series on Basiliea (Greek word for Kingdom, which Jesus used in His maiden message), today we focus on other aspects of this subject…
Commitment…
For those who live for the Kingdom selflessly making please God their only priority (2 Cor 5:9 TLB), there is a Divine assurance from the Word Himself (another name for Jesus — John 1:1) who always keeps His word that, “ALL these things will be added to you” (Matt 6:33). The word ALL encompasses all our physical, social, emotional and financial needs. Proof of the pudding is in the eating thereof and after walking with my Saviour for 32 years now and tasting first hand His faithfulness in providing for my needs I can attest to the veracity of His words enshrined in Matt 6:33.
Canvass…
Say Christian are you faithfully testifying with love and respect (I Peter 3:15) about the Kingdom and its infinite joys with ones you know well (family members, friends, collegues, partners, co-students etc) and ones you come across only once in a while after building a rapport with them (co-passengers in a long journey)? While every Christian is not called to preach every one of us is called to witness about Christ’s role in our lives. People who know us intimately needn’t go all the way to the empty tomb in Jerusalem to believe in the Resurrection power of our Lord, for they would witness the same in our zealous witnessing for Him (Acts 4:33 ESV)… …boy, recently the good Lord inspired me to share my testimony (what Jesus has done in my life) lovingly and respectfully with even “irksome” “unseen” telemarketers who give a buzz at unearthly hours. Nothing ought to stop you too from being faithful to your call to be faithful ambassadors of the Kingdom to which you owe your Eternal life…Hallelujah!
Crown…
Pray tell me in which Earthly Kingdom would a Citizen be elevated to the status of a Co-regent by the King Himself for faithfully following the commands of the Kingdom. Consider the truthful Scripture which holds these staggering promises…
“…we Christians will judge and reward the very angels in heaven.” (I Cor 6:3 TLB)
“…they reigned with Christ for a thousand years.” (Rev 20:4 TLB)
This without doubt is the highest privilege of being part of the Kingdom. Hallelujah!
Cede…
With promises like these and with the foretaste of Eternity already given to us by the placement of the joyous Holy Spirit within us, should we not go to any lengths to retain the Kingdom in us as a wise pearl merchant did? Whilst on a business trip on discovering a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned to purchase it (Matt 13:45). Oh yes, we ought to be willing to lay anything worldly at the altar for this incredible spiritual Kingdom sake. Amen!
Prayer: Father, we progress in the Kingdom by the trust You have generated in us by Thy infinite goodness. Help us to be always obedient as Your Son was in His earthly sojourn. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Suresh Manoharan
J and SM Ministries
(To access the entire “Basics of Basileia” mini-series, please click here.)