Seeking the Kingdom of God

Isaiah 11:1-9 & Revelation 21:1-7 What Will It Be Like?

Read Isaiah 11:1-9 and Revelation 21:1-7

a blue sky with clouds and a blue cross in the middle with light beaming off it

Our final readings for the theme, “Seeking the Kingdom of God” come from both the Old and New Testament. Each are beautiful glimpses into what we’ll see when God’s kingdom is fully revealed. These images should be enough to whet our appetites to not fear that day but look forward to its revelation.

We’re living now in the “in between time” waiting for the big reveal! We’re anxious and we want more! We can only imagine the ultimate splendor God will one day reveal. That’s why Jesus’ words in Matthew 6:33 ring out to us as a clear reminder of what we need to do while we wait. “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”

2 Corinthians 4-5 Now and Then

Read 2 Corinthians 4-5

Stack of newspapers with headlines "extra! extra! read all about it! Good News

Exactly! That was a lot, but there was so much good stuff in our reading today! [Alert: longer devotion than normal!] I’ll reflect a bit on three different things, questions actually, that spoke to me: where we are now, what we can look forward to, and what we can do in the meantime? That pretty much covers the gamut of our journey of “Seeking the Kingdom of God.”

Do you ever feel fragile? It’s an interesting discussion Paul has here as he reminds us of the great message we all hold. Sometimes we feel inadequate to even speak about it. God’s word contains so many life-changing opportunities for people to experience. I heard tell today of some women who are reading through the Bible for the first time ever. “Everybody needs to know about this!” One of them exclaimed.

1 Corinthians 15:1-26 Our Ultimate Destiny

Read 1 Corinthians 15:1-26

Many young girls dream of being a princess one day so they can have their fairy tale “happily ever after” ending. Thanks Cinderella! As I read Paul’s words, I realize that as a follower of Jesus I will get my happy ending (no fairy godmothers required). As for being a princess, I am a daughter of the King after all!

By referring to Jesus as King Jesus, we can easily relate to our notion of seeking his kingdom. That’s been our final theme as we’ve been Discovering the Bible Together. Are you starting to get a clearer picture of God’s kingdom?

John 20:1-31 Experience the Resurrection

Read John 20:1-31

light shining through the door illuminating an empty tomb

It’s always good to remember Jesus’ resurrection. It’s one of the key passages to our faith. Notice that Jesus told his disciples what would happen, but they were still surprised when it did. Doesn’t that speak volumes of the integrity in Jesus’ promises to us as well?

Who do you most identify with in this passage? Mary Magdalene, Simon Peter, the disciple Jesus loved (presumably John), Thomas, or the disciples in general? How do you respond to the news of Jesus’ resurrection?

Matthew 26:26-29 Where Jesus Is

Read Matthew 26:26-29

The setting was the upper room. Jesus was gathered with his dearest friends and followers. This would be Jesus’ last meal with them. Jesus knew what was coming, but the disciples did not fully understand. How fitting that it was the Passover feast, complete with a spotless lamb!

What would you have thought sitting at the table that night when Jesus said, “Take this and eat it, for this is my body.” Jesus’ body? Seriously? If the disciples had been paying attention, they might recall how Jesus had been preparing them for what was to come. Jesus would soon be crucified. That, too, must have really given them pause to fully accept.