PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 4:23-25
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Proclaiming the good news of the kingdom…” (Matthew 4:23)
We all think about the kingdom of God, but not in those terms.
Do you want healing for yourself or someone else, or a broken marriage restored?
Do you long for safety in your neighborhood, or justice for the oppressed?
Do sexual abuse, child abuse, poverty, crime or racial inequality anger you?
To long for these things is to long for God’s better world – the kingdom of God.
Jesus says ‘NOW is the time, God is stepping in, you can experience it!’
But Jesus’s miracles are signs of the kingdom, not the kingdom itself.
As we will see, the kingdom is first and foremost our hearts response to God.
To allow Jesus to be Lord of my life is not easy, but it is the best way to live.
Only the Spirit of Jesus in us can give us the inner healing we need.
As we grow more like Him, His kingdom influence spreads through us to others.
As we change, the people and situations around us change; people are blessed.
For my life to proclaim the kingdom, I need to let the King change me.
Do you want the kingdom of God in your life, and will you follow Jesus to get it?
PRAYER
Lord, I need to be honest about how much I do (or don’t) want Your will and Your way to change my heart and life. Help me not just to think or talk about the kingdom, help me to surrender to it!
Jesus was very deliberate but I find myself more reluctant – yet even in my reluctance I’ve found that people seek me out when I’m faithful as to who I am as a Christian – bearing witness to the hope I have because of the Gospel. I perceive a ‘magnetic-ism’ is at work – whether people came to Jesus out of curiosity or of a hope of healing or seeking him as the promised Messiah. Help me Lord to proclaim and then to draw!
Teaching, preaching and healing.
This all goes to show that He is the Saviour and King promised by God. Christ’s identity. His credentials. And I and he people then and now need to look to Him in faith as my Saviour and King.
What are my credentials?
How do others see me as His follower?
LightShine.
Help me daily to be a servant true in Your Kingdom Lord.
Make me a servant
Humble and meek
Lord let me lift up
Those who are weak
And may the prayer
Of my heart always be
Make me a servant
Make me a servant
Make me a servant today
Jesus had a great following as He proclaimed the gospel and healed people who were brought to Him. What a stir He made in the world around Him! Help me, Jesus, to pray more intentionally for Your gospel to stir the world around me, as well as beyond.
Praise God I am a citizen of the kingdom of the King of kings, Lord of lords, and Prince of peace. Holy Spirit help and guide me to be loyal and faithful citizen of this kingdom that never ends.