THE KINGDOM OF GOD

"Daily Word From Jesus" - JUNE 1

Matthew 13:18-19 - “Listen then to what the parable of the sower means: When anyone hears the message about the kingdom and does not understand it, the evil one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is the seed sown along the path."

Matthew 13 is a special blessing for us because of its parables about the Kingdom of God. "The Sower and the Seed" is one of two parables in this chapter that Jesus carefully explains. This explanation is a wonderful gift for people who read God's Word. When Jesus Himself takes time to explain precisely what He means in one of His stories, then we know for sure something great has been given to us.

Our "Daily Word From Jesus" here tells us several things: 1) The Kingdom of God is coming, and 2) People will receive God's messages about it differently. 

The Kingdom of God is the rule of God. Wherever the Lord Jesus Christ reigns in the hearts of people, there is the Kingdom of God. This is true whether Jesus rules in an individual life or over a group of people such as the Christian Church.

The Kingdom of God is not an earthly domain, but a spiritual one. There will never be armies of earthly soldiers protecting or promoting this Kingdom, although God may use His force of angels as He chooses. God is Spirit (John 4:24), so His Kingdom is spiritual, invisible to human eyes now, but one day it will be revealed in all its power and glory. 

Since the coming of Jesus Christ, God's Kingdom is "at hand," meaning it is ready for all people to receive its blessings by faith in Jesus. God rules in His Kingdom through Laws written on our hearts (Jeremiah 31:33-34), and today He calls us to walk in obedience to His commands. Through the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit, we can experience the reign of God in our daily lives.

The Word of God is never received equally by all. Those who reject the Kingdom are the people Satan entices to follow him. They believe life is better without Jesus, so they follow anything and everything that promises them much, but produces only dust and ashes. 

Can you think of anything in your life that has promised much but produced great disappointment? The decisions we make often come back to haunt us, but the Good News is that our Heavenly Father loves us anyway. He doesn't cast us away when we return to Him in repentance. He is glad to have us back.

If you have had struggles in life (and who hasn't?) I pray your journey will keep you following Jesus, no matter how many "returns" it takes you.

Dear Jesus, please take me back if I stray, and hold me close during my life journey, amen.