Answering Jesus' Call to Seek His Kingdom
Posted: Tuesday, May 29, 2007
by Richard Miller
“But Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:33, New International Version Bible)
I have heard that verse many different times in many different situations. Yet somehow today, the verse takes on a new light as if the scales have fallen from my eyes. The word Jesus chose to emphasize that day for his sermon on the mount was “seek." Jesus didn’t use “select", “choose" or even “follow." Webster’s dictionary defines the word seek as “to make search or inquiry; to endeavor to make discovery." In the Greek language, the corresponding word is zeteo which means “to seek" or “to search." The act of seeking brings to mind images of looking for something lost or better yet finding a prized possession. Jesus is asking us to make a commitment to seek out specifically His kingdom and His righteousness. At first, seeking His kingdom may seem like a figure of speech. If we look at the comment in context with such verses as Matthew 6:19-21:
It becomes clear that Jesus’ statement was not intended as a figure of speech, but as an example of how we are to live as Christian stewards. It is a reference to the order of importance in our lives, the Triune God (The Father, The Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit), our families and then all other things. Matthew 6:24 warns us of the dangers of attempting to serve two masters.
"No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money." (Matthew 6:24, New International Version Bible)
In fact, Jesus’ words tell us that we can not serve both. Christ is calling us to choose His kingdom by actively seeking His kingdom since these are the things that will endure.
Matthew 6:33 reveals that we are called to also seek His righteousness. His, not our, righteousness is the path that will transform our lives. Yet our guilt gets in the way. We feel we need to make atonement for our sins and until we have done so we can not be in the service of our Lord Jesus Christ. In reality, the complete opposite is the truth. A hymnist once wrote “ Take me as I am…" and that is exactly what Jesus Christ wants. We seek His righteousness by committing our lives to the service of Jesus Christ. Please do not be confused, I am not saying that our works of righteousness are the means to our salvation. Salvation through Jesus Christ is achieved by faith and faith alone. What I am saying is that we avoid the work of our savior Jesus Christ because we feel our past sins make us unworthy. God has already forgiven us through the sacrifice of His son Jesus on the cross. The victory is already won. Jesus is asking each of us to seek our place in His kingdom, a place we have been chosen for, a place we have been equipped for. When we are willing to make that decision our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will provide everything we need.
“… and all these things will be given to you" (Matthew 6:33, New International Version Bible) This is the promise Jesus gives us if we are willing to seek His kingdom and His righteousness. This is not a promise of good health, financial security or absence of persecution. It is a promise that God will provide what we need, when we need it. We live in a world driven by instant gratification, instant access, and instant updates, so we often expect Jesus to work the same way. Jesus’ work requires us to be faithful. If we only do the things we know we can accomplish, then our level of faith will be limited accordingly. Like any part of the body, our faith needs to be exercised. Our Lord Jesus Christ is faithful. Are we willing to answer as Mary, the mother of Jesus, did? “I am the Lord’s servant, may it be to me as you have said." (Luke 1:38 New International Version Bible)
Seeking our Lord Jesus Christ is an active pursuit through study of the Bible, prayer, interaction with fellow believers, and a willingness to put our desires aside. We are His creation to be used in His service; all we have has been freely given to us. We need to freely return those gifts for the glory of His kingdom. Our talents need to be discovered and used for His work. Our time needs to be prioritized so that His kingdom and His righteousness are first. Our treasures need to be faithfully returned as first fruit offerings. Our Lord Jesus Christ has called; Jesus has asked us to seek Him. Pray that we have clarity of Jesus' direction and the strength to faithfully obey.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)An inspiring article. One to set me on the straight and narrow. A road map of what is required of us as followers of Jesus Christ. Thank you!Thanks for the comments. The challenges are great but the amazing thing is that Jesus Christ is there to help us.
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