He brought me into his kingdom and is teaching me to seek his kingdom first and to pray, “your kingdom come!”
Rescued …
This passage in Colossians is a favorite of mine:
For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.
Colossians 1:13-14 NLT
When I read these verses, I envision a dark, scary castle, a sharp outline in a mist on top of a craggy mountain, a prison! But the hero comes riding on His white horse and charges the castle. He doesn’t just set me free; He pulls me up on His horse and carries me out of the darkness into His light. He takes me to His home, His castle where life flourishes, colors are bright and beautiful, and peace reigns. When God saves us, He plants us safely in His domain!
Seeking …
Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
Matthew 6:33 NLT
Then, in what we have labeled the “sermon on the mount,” Jesus teaches us to seek His kingdom and His righteousness. For me, the essence of this lesson is that I should not compartmentalize my life – it is not a combination of secular pursuits and spiritual goals! Instead, all of life is about submitting to and resting in His will, His ways – whether that is through my vocation, hobbies, or daily life.
Praying …
your kingdom come,
Matthew 6:10 NIV
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
As we seek God’s kingdom first, our daily prayer is that He will rule and reign in our lives, that we unleash His Kingdom here on earth … daily aligning ourselves with God’s purposes in our world.
The kingdom of God is here, in our midst … and it is coming!
Believer, rejoice. Your king has come to you—righteous, having salvation, humble. Do not miss what the Jews missed. Deliverance has come for the prisoner in the most unexpected form. His kingdom is a kingdom for those who would, like their king, become “gentle and lowly in heart;” it is a kingdom for the poor in spirit, the meek. Those who are citizens of his kingdom will know the end of tyranny as they tread with joy the path of lowliness he trod.
Jen Wilkin, Daily Joy: A Devotional for Women
For to us a child is born,
Isaiah 9:6-7 NIV
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the Lord Almighty
will accomplish this.
Have we allowed the Child-King to take over the government of our lives? Only then can we know the benefits of God with us. We cannot have the light, the honor, the joy, the abundance, the integration that he offers in any other way.
John N Oswalt, NIV Application Commentary
Receiving …
Since we are receiving a kingdom
that cannot be shaken,
let us be thankful,
and so worship God acceptably
with reverence and awe!
(Hebrews 12:28)
The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this!
(Isaiah 9:7)
Prayer
God, my rescuer, my defender, the one who lifts me out of darkness into Your realm of light, in whose mighty hands my life is secure, may I worship you with reverence and awe this Christmas, giving thanks, not just for the baby in the manger, but for the deep sacrifice of His life for mine. My heart is so full – so overwhelmed by your gracious gifts of mercy and love! Teach me to rest in You, to lean hard on the promise that the zeal of the Lord Almighty will establish and uphold Your kingdom in my heart even as You are in this world – for your name’s sake! Amen.
If you would like to read another devotion about God establishing His kingdom, may I suggest this one, “Thy Kingdom Come.“
