January 4
Matthew 4:12-25
At the arrest of John the Baptist, Jesus’ public ministry began. The primary message which he communicated was about “the kingdom of heaven/kingdom of God.” The way into the kingdom is to repent of our allegiance to alternative kingdoms and embrace him. We are called to leave the darkness and enter the light. We are called to give up self-reliance and acknowledge our need for a savior and king. Jesus comes as the king who is bringing a heavenly kingdom to earth. His kingdom message is matched by his work which reveals the qualities of his kingdom. Jesus teaches, preaches, and heals disease, pain, paralysis, demon possession, and even death itself. His kingdom is marked by giving life, showing love, and being light to those in darkness.
The first response of Simon, Andrew, James, and John to this kingdom message was to follow Jesus and then go and make more followers of him. Jesus similarly calls us to acknowledge him as king and savior (to follow him) and then to live proclaiming the reality of his kingdom. As we embrace this way of life, it means sharing his message of light, love, and life with those who are not yet citizens of this kingdom. Let us walk the walk and talk the talk of the kingdom of heaven/God today.
Father God, thank you that I am a citizen of your kingdom. Help me to live in a way that is appropriate for a citizen of your kingdom today. Amen.
What things should be true of someone who is a citizen of God’s kingdom?
At the arrest of John the Baptist, Jesus’ public ministry began. The primary message which he communicated was about “the kingdom of heaven/kingdom of God.” The way into the kingdom is to repent of our allegiance to alternative kingdoms and embrace him. We are called to leave the darkness and enter the light. We are called to give up self-reliance and acknowledge our need for a savior and king. Jesus comes as the king who is bringing a heavenly kingdom to earth. His kingdom message is matched by his work which reveals the qualities of his kingdom. Jesus teaches, preaches, and heals disease, pain, paralysis, demon possession, and even death itself. His kingdom is marked by giving life, showing love, and being light to those in darkness.
The first response of Simon, Andrew, James, and John to this kingdom message was to follow Jesus and then go and make more followers of him. Jesus similarly calls us to acknowledge him as king and savior (to follow him) and then to live proclaiming the reality of his kingdom. As we embrace this way of life, it means sharing his message of light, love, and life with those who are not yet citizens of this kingdom. Let us walk the walk and talk the talk of the kingdom of heaven/God today.
Father God, thank you that I am a citizen of your kingdom. Help me to live in a way that is appropriate for a citizen of your kingdom today. Amen.
What things should be true of someone who is a citizen of God’s kingdom?
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The fruits of the Spirit should be evident; love joy peace patience kindness gentleness and self-control. If not, there is an unrepentant sin we need to deal with that is quenching Him.