THE KINGDOM MANIFESTO
August 12, 2021
There are only two kingdoms in this world: the kingdom of this world and the Kingdom of our God. These are in constant tension, for they are diametrically opposed. The ruler of this world is none other than Satan himself, while God’s kingdom is governed by the perfect Leader.
ANNOUNCING THE KINGDOM
Jesus’ first sermon was “Repent, the Kingdom of God is at hand!”(Matthew 4:17). The Sermon on the Mount is immediately following this announcement, recorded in Matthew’s gospel (Matthew 5-7). In Jesus’ most complete sermon, He tells us about the Kingdom of God. He gives us the manifesto of the Kingdom.
ENTERING IN
The Beatitudes are progressive. They build upon each other. Step by step, Jesus tells us how we enter this kingdom and experience it to its fullest. The one who does so receives the greatest riches and blessing. Notice the progression:
- Blessed is the man who recognizes his spiritual poverty (for no one will come into the kingdom who doesn’t)
- Blessed is the man who is so profoundly aware of his condition that he mourns (it breaks his heart)
- Blessed are the meek. This man is broken. He has seen his sin so intensely that he is gladly willing to be governed by God alone.
- Blessed are the hungry and thirsty for righteousness. The man who surrenders to God’s control wants more and more of God and God’s ways.
- Blessed are the merciful. As we follow Christ, we have His heart. We have been forgiven, so we are now ready to forgive others.
- Blessed are the pure in heart. As we grow in Him, we become progressively sanctified from the impurities of this life, and we see God more clearly.
- Blessed are the peacemakers. We have found Him, and now we live to help others find peace with God.
- Blessed are those who are persecuted. The kingdom of this world does not often understand and will persecute those who bring the light of God. But this has happened for all time, and the believer knows that any suffering will be met with incredible reward in this life and the life to come.
THE KINGDOM LIFE
The remainder of the book is a series of contrasts. “In this kingdom,” Jesus says, “You’ve learned to live this way. But my Kingdom is exactly the opposite. It is filled with righteousness, with forgiveness, with mercy, with overwhelming love, with humility, and with people who have contentment and peace, for my Father provides every need.
The wealthiest people in this world are not those who have houses and money and fame. The most blessed are the humble believers who have found the pathway into the Kingdom of God.
Father, we are overwhelmed when we hear Your Son speak of Your Kingdom. Thank you for providing the way into your Kingdom and that, by Your grace, you have transferred us from the kingdom of this world into the Kingdom of Your beloved Son. Thank You for giving us unfathomable, eternal blessings. Give us the courage to invite everyone we see into Your kingdom today!
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