And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel (Matthew 2:6)
When Jesus Christ was born into this world, His destiny was very clear: He was born to rule forever. Not only was He going to be King of Israel, He was going to be King of all the earth; King of kings and Lord of lords. (Rev. 19:16). It had been predicted by the prophets that His government shall increase without end. (Isa. 9:7).
It had been revealed to kings and rulers that His Kingdom shall swallow up all other kingdoms and shall be established for ever. Crowns and thrones shall perish, kingdoms shall rise and wane, but His Kingdom shall never be destroyed, but it shall break in pieces and consume all other kingdoms, and shall stand for ever (Dan. 2:44). Jesus came to precisely fulfil these and several similar prophesies.
His Kingdom however, is a Kingdom of peace, built with truth, on the foundations of righteousness and justice. The very nature of this Kingdom is love. This is why He is the Prince of Peace (Isa. 9:7).
When He died on the cross of Calvary according to the will of His Father in heaven, He paid the supreme price to enact His kingdom. On the third day He rose triumphantly from the grave, as predicted by the prophets and Himself. When the day of Pentecost came, He sent the Holy Spirit upon His disciples, as promised, and His Kingdom was born. All who now believe Him, and receive the Holy Spirit become members of His Kingdom of “righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 14:17).
If you have received Him as your Lord and Saviour, rejoice. You are part of a Kingdom that cannot be moved, that cannot be shaken, but stands and abides for ever. The power of hell can never prevail against His kingdom. All who are in this kingdom shall abide for ever.
Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire (Heb. 12:28-29).
After His death and resurrection, Jesus commanded all of us His disciples to go into the world and preach the message of His Kingdom of love, peace and righteousness. He asked us to disciple all nations so that they may become part of this kingdom of light (Lk. 24:46-49; Jn. 20:19-23; Matt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15-20; Acts 1:5-8).
This is the singular task of the Church of Christ on earth. This is the most important assignment of every believer in Christ. This is why He sent us the power of the Holy Spirit. Whatever else we do, we must see to it that this gospel of the kingdom is effectively taken to the nations of the world. This is the only message that gives men and women the hope of heaven; this is the only message that can deliver people from sin and unrighteousness. This is the only message that can make this world a better place. Each time you preach this gospel of the kingdom and somebody believes it, you have made a significant contribution to the advancement of the Kingdom of Christ.
This is the reason why you are alive today. Whatever else you do, preach the gospel of Christ’s Kingdom. And do it effectively. May the blessing of the Lord come upon your labour.
And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. (Matt. 24:14).
SCRIPTURE FOR TODAY
MATT 28:18-20
FOR FURTHER STUDIES
I CORINT 9
PRAYER POINTS
- Give thanks to God for the light of His glory upon your life.
- Ask the Lord to give you wisdom to reposition yourself for maximum impact.
- Ask the Lord to help you maximise His grace upon your life.
- Destroy everything that stands between you and maximum impact.
Confession for Today:
I am a faithful witness for Christ and His Kingdom.
Nations’ Watch:
Pray for Rhodesia