Matt 6:33 KJV
33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
At the start of the year, I asked God to help me see the kingdom. I think I expected a vivid dream or an open vision…maybe my sight would shift, and I’d find myself walking along gold paved streets while still standing in America. I know it sounds far-fetched, maybe even a bit over the top, but I was sincere in my question. At the time, did I grasp the magnitude of my question? Absolutely not. I probably wasn’t asking the right question, but I’ve learned that when you ask the Lord to reveal something in line with His will, He’ll answer in due time.
This spring, I purchased the Amplified version of the Bible after being inspired by rapper Eshon Burgundy, who reads scripture over lo-fi music on his YouTube channel. I thought, “Wow, this breakdown is different,” so I decided to get it. When it arrived, I dove into the gospels, and scripture began to leap off the pages. Although I’m a KJV girlie, the Amplified version brought fresh air to my study. I reached Matthew 6:33, I began meditating on it for several weeks.
Matthew 6:33 AMP
But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right-the attitude and character of God), and all these things will be given to you also.
By this point, I had been meditating on this scripture for weeks. I kept wondering, Jesus, what is this kingdom? Are you telling me to seek your way of doing right physically? Should I go back and study the commandments or maybe review the laws? Not understanding clearly led me to move forward in my studies. I continued to study in Matthew and by this time made it to beginning of Luke. Then my question shifted from “Help me see the kingdom” to “Where is the kingdom?”
This summer, I took myself on a church tour and visited some wonderful churches, but the Lord led me to Momentum, which is now my home church. It’s amazing how the Lord works when you’re seeking him. My very first visit happened to be the Second week of the “That’s So Kingdom” series. I gained great understanding and had set in my heart to visit again. My mind was back fixed on Matthew 6:33 while stopping my personal study at Luke Ch 10.
Later that evening at home, I opened YouTube, and the first video on my feed featured a young man breaking down the parable of the Sower, titled “The Secret to God’s Kingdom.” I dozed off while watching but was spiritually nudged awake just as I heard him say, “The Kingdom is within.” Even half asleep, I noted what was said. I had planned to rewatch it when fully awake but never got around to it.
During my second week attending the series, Pastor Jae mentioned in his sermon, “The Kingdom of God is within.” By then, my ears were wide open, this was the second time I’d heard that statement. While he was preaching, I felt the Lord speak to my heart: “Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit?” In that moment, it was like a light bulb went off, and I almost jumped out of my seat. I wanted to run up and down the aisle, but since I wasn’t a member yet, I didn’t want people wondering who this lady was running all over the place! LOL. Instead, I shouted and praised God all the way home for the answer He had given me.
I got home super happy then I start reading my bible and going through Luke that week. I get to Luke Ch 17:20-21 . Luke account of the gospel is pretty juicy for some reason.I come to the verse where Jesus is setting those Pharisees straight, and as I read it, I feel a bit of straightening happening in me too.
Luke 17:20 AMP
Asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He replied to them by saying, The kingdom of God does not come with signs to be observed or with visible display,
Luke 17:21 AMP
Nor will people say, Look! Here [it is]! or, See, [it is] there! For behold, the kingdom of God is within you [in your hearts] and among you [surrounding you].
Just like the Pharisees, I searched for something tangible and visible, but in the Father’s time, it was revealed. As I began focusing on cleansing my heart and surrendering my ways to Him, He gave me my answer. It came in the season when my heart was ready to receive. While seeking the kingdom, you will find the King who is Jesus and He is our example of living as kingdom Children. You will do greater works than Him, but only if you abide in Him, in the secret place. Greater is he that is IN YOU!
Check out Pastor Jae’s Kingdom series here.
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