28^th November 2024

Alex Buabeng-Korsah

Theme: THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN

THEME SCRIPTURE: “Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence”- John 18:36 KJV

PREPARATORY QUESTION

1. Which kingdom is the kingdom of heaven?

The Jewish leaders had made up their minds that Jesus must die. They were determined to get rid of Jesus at all costs. So Caiaphas had Jesus taken to the Praetorium to meet with Pilate. Here, the Roman procurator, who served the emperor in Palestine from A.D. 26 to A.D. 35, is brought into the drama. Pilate sensed the Jewish leaders' craftiness in this matter. He wanted to avoid being part of this case brought before him, but it was tricky.

As Jesus stood before Pilate, an interesting conversation ensued. Jesus had been accused of speaking about a kingdom of His. Jesus didn't appear to be a royal. Pilate therefore asked Him, "Are you a king?" Sensing the tone of satire in Pilate's question, Jesus replied with a question. He asked, "Are you saying this of yourself [on your own initiative], or have others told you about Me?" (John 18:34). Pilate shot back with a question in his reply, "Am I a Jew...?" Pilate asked. It is at this juncture that Jesus gives this majestic reply to the pagan governor, "My kingdom is not of this world..."

Beloved, Jesus has a kingdom. Jesus is a king. But this kingdom is not of this world. This truth did not mean that His kingdom had nothing to do with this world. No, not at all. Rather, Jesus was saying that His kingdom's origin is not here. The kingdoms of this world originated and were forged in this realm. But the kingdom of our dear Lord originated from above. Heaven is its origin. It came with the inspiration, principles, methods, and approaches of heaven into all the provinces of human activities.

Precious One, the kingdoms of this world employ force and deception to advance their cause. But the kingdom of our God employs love to advance its course. The kingdoms of this world are perpetually on assignment to resist the axis of evil. But in the kingdom of our Lord, we do not resist evil (Matt 5:39). We transform evil. An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth has been the principle of the lower kingdoms (Matt 5:38). As a result, they drag one another to court at whim.

However, the kingdom from above has a different principle. If someone smites you on the left cheek, turn to him also the right cheek. If someone drags you to court for your shirt, live above litigation. You should rather give that shirt to the person, adding also your coat to it (Matt 5:40). The kingdoms of this world love those who are strategic to their interest and hate those who are not (Matt 5:43). So their slogan is, "We have no eternal allies, and we have no perpetual enemies. It is only our interests that are perpetual and eternal." In the kingdom of our dear Lord, we love our enemies and pray for those who despitefully use us (Matt 5:44).

Oh, thank you, Lord. For You have brought me into the higher kingdom. He who dwells in the kingdom of our Lord has come into the lofty realm. His attitude, principles, and approach are different. Our kingdom is not of this world. Glory to God.

FURTHER READING: Matthew 5:27-48

Call to Salvation: Today is your day if you have not received salvation by turning over your life to Jesus Christ. Click here to do so.

QUESTION TO HELP YOU MEDITATE ON THE WORD

1. Is your lifestyle that of the kingdom above or the kingdom below?

PRAYER

Thank you, Father, for bringing me into the higher kingdom; the kingdom of your dear Son Jesus. In this kingdom, I am the head and not the tail wherever I go. My thoughts, attitude, and principles are higher and superior. Glory to God.

ONE-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN

Esther 3,  Esther 4,  Amos 8,  Philemon 1