Seek Ye First the Kingdom Of God

Jesus’ teachings are a treasure trove of wisdom and purpose, offering clarity about life’s ultimate goal. One of His most profound instructions is found in Matthew 6:33: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added unto you.” This declaration forms the cornerstone of our Christian calling.

Unlike what many might expect, Jesus did not center His ministry on healing, prophecy, or miracles, though these elements were present in His work. Instead, He consistently proclaimed that the Kingdom of God was at hand (Mark 1:15). This emphasis is crucial because the declaration of the Kingdom stirs the anointing, activates spiritual gifts, and causes the flow of God’s power. The sequence is significant: proclaiming the Kingdom sets the spiritual atmosphere for God’s authority to manifest. Jesus Himself demonstrated this in His ministry. For example, when He sent His disciples out two by two (Luke 10:1-9, Mark 6:7-13), He instructed them first to declare the Kingdom and then heal the sick as evidence of its arrival. This principle underscores the truth in 1 Corinthians 4:20: “For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power.” By focusing on the Kingdom, we align with Heaven’s agenda, allowing God’s power to flow through us as a natural result of His presence.

Healing, prophecy, and miracles are not the primary focus; rather, they are natural byproducts of seeking and declaring the Kingdom. They manifest as the Kingdom’s reality takes root in and flows through us. Our goal is not to chase these gifts but to reveal the Kingdom, letting these signs follow naturally (Mark 16:17).

When Jesus sent His disciples out two by two, as recorded in Luke 10:1-9 and Mark 6:7-13, He gave them specific instructions that illustrate the priority of proclaiming the Kingdom and then demonstrating its reality through acts of healing and deliverance.

Luke 10:9 (KJV):

"And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you."

Mark 6:12-13 (KJV):

"And they went out, and preached that men should repent. And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them."

Key Observations:

1. The Kingdom Declared First:
   
   
   • The disciples were instructed to announce the arrival of the Kingdom of God. This declaration was foundational because it set the stage for people to understand the source of the miracles.
   • The message of the Kingdom is central to the Gospel: that God’s rule and reign had drawn near, inviting people into repentance, renewal, and a new way of life.

1. Healing and Deliverance as Evidence:
   
   
   • Jesus told the disciples to heal the sick and drive out demons, not as standalone acts but as signs of the Kingdom’s power.
   • Healing and deliverance demonstrated that the Kingdom of God was breaking into the world, undoing the effects of sin, sickness, and oppression.

1. Partnership Between Proclamation and Power:
   
   
   • The proclamation of the Kingdom is not merely words; it is backed by the tangible evidence of God’s power. This echoes 1 Corinthians 4:20, “For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power.”
   • Jesus modeled this Himself. In Matthew 4:23, we see Him teaching in synagogues, proclaiming the Kingdom, and healing every disease among the people.

The Kingdom of God is vast and multifaceted, transcending earthly dimensions. It encompasses the heavens, the stars, galaxies, and everything under God’s sovereign rule. To better understand, consider these scriptural examples:

1. Psalm 103:19 – “The Lord has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.”
   
   
   • This verse illustrates the Kingdom’s scope, reminding us that God’s authority extends over the entire universe.

1. Romans 14:17 – “For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
   
   
   • Here, the Kingdom is defined by its spiritual essence, focusing on righteousness, peace, and joy, all rooted in the Holy Spirit.

1. Matthew 13:31-33 – Parables of the mustard seed and yeast.
   
   
   • These parables illustrate the Kingdom’s transformative and expansive nature, showing how it starts small but grows to influence all aspects of life.

1. Luke 17:21 – “The kingdom of God is within you.”
   
   
   • This emphasizes the internal reality of the Kingdom, where God’s rule begins in the hearts of His people.

1. Daniel 2:44 – “And in the days of these kings, the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed.”
   
   
   • This prophecy underscores the Kingdom’s eternal nature and its ultimate triumph over all other kingdoms.

When we declare the Kingdom of God, we align ourselves with Heaven’s agenda. This declaration stirs the anointing, enabling the supernatural gifts to find expression. Acts 10:38 captures this principle: "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him."”

As we seek and declare the Kingdom, we invite God’s power to manifest. The focus remains on revealing the King and His rule, allowing His presence to flow through us to touch lives. Healing, prophecy, and miracles follow naturally because they express the Kingdom’s reality.

To truly seek the Kingdom, our lives must be fully surrendered to God. To truly represent the Kingdom, we must seek to know and practice the righteousness of the Kingdom. This involves a daily commitment to aligning our lives with God's standards and letting His righteousness shape our character and actions. We have no personal agenda except the King’s agenda. This is a life lived in righteousness, prioritizing God’s will above all else. It means:

• Seeking the Kingdom: Prioritizing God’s rule and purposes in every area of life.
• Living in Righteousness: Walking in alignment with God’s standards, empowered by His grace.

Showing the Kingdom to Others: Demonstrating the reality of God’s reign through our words, actions, and lives.

When we prioritize the Kingdom, we position ourselves as vessels for God’s anointing. This anointing flows to:

• Transform Lives: The Kingdom brings healing to broken hearts, deliverance to captives, and restoration to lives.
• Activate Gifts: Spiritual gifts such as prophecy, wisdom, and discernment are stirred and activated.
• Manifest Power: God’s power flows to reveal His glory and draw others to Him.

The Kingdom of God is the ultimate focus of our lives. It is vast, eternal, and glorious, encompassing more than we can imagine. As we seek the Kingdom and its righteousness, we align with Heaven’s agenda, allowing God’s anointing and power to flow through us. Our lives testify to God’s reign, pointing others to His majesty.

Remember, the goal is not to pursue healing, prophecy, or miracles as ends in themselves. Instead, we seek the Kingdom and reveal it to the world. These signs will follow naturally, demonstrating the reality of the Kingdom of God. Let us dedicate our lives to the King’s agenda, living for Him alone and showing His Kingdom to a needy world.