“But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” -Matthew 6:33

If you are trying to sum up Jesus’ message in his earthy ministry, you can do so with two interchangeable phrases that Jesus uses all the time – the “kingdom of God” or the “kingdom of the heavens.”

In almost every parable, Jesus begins with “The kingdom of God is like…” He speaks often about this new kingdom breaking into the old kingdom, the kingdom of darkness. Now, with him as the King on the throne comes a new life that changes everything. Everywhere he goes, he invites people to live in this celebration, in this joy, in this kingdom of God.

Many theologians, and even Jesus, like to call it the Father’s world. What we realize in the message of Jesus Christ is that what’s made available in the kingdom of God is an incredible life right now, not someday. In Jesus Christ, the Father’s world is here today.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I am so blessed to live in your world, your kingdom. I am
experiencing the incredible life, the incredible joy that you have provided. Amen.

Reflection: How do you celebrate the joy of living in God’s kingdom today?