Written by Scripture:
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” — Matthew 6:33 (KJV)
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Historical and Exegetical Context:
Matthew 6:33 is part of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, a collection of teachings that outline how to live in a way that pleases God. In the previous verses, Jesus teaches about the anxieties of life—what to eat, drink, and wear. His audience was living under Roman rule, where resources were often scarce, and worries about provision were common. Yet, Jesus offers an alternative: focus not on earthly concerns but on the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. The phrase “all these things” refers to the necessities of life, but Jesus reassures us that God will provide what we need if we prioritize the spiritual—seeking God’s Kingdom and aligning our lives with His righteousness.
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Greek Word Insight:
The Greek word for “seek” in this verse is ζητέω (zēteō), which means to seek or strive after with intense focus and desire. This seeking is not casual but involves a diligent pursuit of God’s Kingdom and His ways.
The word for “righteousness” is δικαιοσύνη (dikaiosunē), which refers to living in a way that reflects God’s standards of justice, holiness, and moral integrity. This righteousness is not earned through our actions but is given through faith in Christ, which then leads to a life aligned with God’s will.
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Reflection:
Sometimes in our journey through the Word of God, it’s easy to forget the importance of the context in which the scripture is written. The four gospels give us an account of the life of God on earth. We understand that Jesus was the Christ and the Son of God, but He is also fully God—the God of the Old Testament with all His wonders and miracles. He is the God of the New Testament, who put His body to death so that we might be saved from hellfire. He is also the God of the book of Revelation, who will put an end to this world and restore it anew in everlasting bliss.
So when our God speaks, all creation listens; when our God commands, the universe obeys. His words are true and trustworthy. His children are not a people in lack but have been given access to kingdom abundance. We are not denied by our King ????, who is seated upon the throne and reigns forever. But in order for us to walk in abundance as heirs of God, we must be willing to obey kingdom laws as citizens.
Jesus, our God King, has given a royal decree that, if we choose to honor, will grant us access to everything we need. But we must be willing to renounce one citizenship (the world ????) in exchange for a better one (Heaven). In heaven’s economy, He has declared that if we choose His Kingdom first and learn to abide by heavenly ways, which are His ways, He will, in turn, give us the things we need and desire in this world as sojourners of Christ, passing through.
What tends to happen in our lives is that we seek to hold on to our old citizenship while trying to claim the benefits of the new but find that nothing ever materializes in our life according to this word. We cannot claim the benefits entitled to a full citizen if we refuse to do what is necessary to obtain this status for ourselves. There are no dual citizens in the kingdom of God, lest we be lukewarm. The plumbline is set, and we must choose. While choosing the world will leave us in lack, God is such a gracious King that in choosing to put His Kingdom first, He would still be willing to grant us things in this world that we desire to enjoy for a season.
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Prayer:
Dear Jesus, help us to be brave in renouncing our old self, our old way of life that was crucified on the cross, and take up our new identity in You. Thank You for being so gracious that in choosing You first, You would still be willing to grant some of our heart’s desires while on earth according to Your purposes. It’s in Your name, Jesus, we pray. Amen.
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Action Step:
Today, take a moment to evaluate where you’ve placed your priorities. Are you seeking first the Kingdom of God, or are other things taking precedence? Write down one area in your life where you feel you’ve been holding onto your “old citizenship” and pray for the courage to let it go and fully embrace your identity in Christ. Ask God to guide you in aligning your life with His kingdom and righteousness.
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Daily Prophetic Word
October 17, 2024
By MaryEllen McCloud, Replenished Hope Ministries
The Lord says, “Think of trials as opportunities to go Higher. I will deliver you. I will restore you. I will bless you with increase. You have come far, and I am not finished with you yet. Take up the reins again. Decide that quitting is not an option. When you finally make up your mind, the breakthrough will chase you down. You are never out of My Reach or My Glory. The key of access are yours. Choose not to lay down what are your rights under heaven.
I am taking you into a new realm. Find that what was is leaving in the rearview. Change your View to Be where you are going. Set your sights High for My Goodness will surround you. Take only what you will need. Extra weight will only slow you down. Decide your latter days will be what I say over your life. Unbelief is your only enemy in truth this hour. Confront the lies and you will overcome every obstacle.”
