January 19, 2009
DAY 02
Posted by KI Contributor
Scripture: Matthew 4:12-25
A New Government
What did Jesus mean when he said “the kingdom of heaven (God) is near”? What was the “good news of the kingdom” which he preached? The time was before his death and resurrection. So he didn’t say, “If you believe that I died and rose for your sins, you will be saved.” Instead Jesus announced and emphasized that a new rule or a new government has come to earth.
Kingdom means rule, reign, or realm of a king’s dominion. For the Jews of his time, they hoped new government would bring a new age of deliverance from rule by the Gentile pagans. Here in America, our hope is that the new president will “deliver” our country from the economic calamity. In both cases, I wonder if the focus of humanity tends to be on the desire to escape from an unwanted situation, but does humanity want to “BE RULED” by the Deliverer? I wonder if many in the Church today subconsciously have been taught to think of the “Good News” as just a “ticket” to get into heaven or some kind of utopia after death. But does the Church want to be ruled by the Anointed King, not only in heaven but on earth?
How easy it has been for us to compartmentalize our lives into heaven and earth, church/spiritual life and the rest of our lives! No wonder “churchgoers” separate a church life from the rest of life. Business is business. Profession is profession. School is school. They run by their own rules and values. Christians are taught to be active in church-sponsored activities. That is the measure of one’s faithfulness to God. But how does God rule over our businesses, professions, and school lives? When Jesus came announcing the kingdom, His intention was that God’s rule would penetrate our souls as well as physical bodies and lives wherever we are – with God’s people, in the market place, the academic or political world.
Father, we have been taught to pray “Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” Father, may we truly welcome Your rule, Your governance and Your Presence over and in us, every aspect of our lives. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
PRAYER FOCUS: Minangkabau People of Indonesia
The Minangkabau, numbering about 9 million (largely residing in West Sumatra), are the fourth largest ethnic group in Indonesia and exercise significant influence in the country. They are very proud of their culture and religion (Islam), and it is very difficult for them to consider other faiths. Pray that the Holy Spirit will open the hearts of the Minangkabau to the truth of Jesus, and that many more Gospel workers will be raised to effectively minister among the Minangkabau.
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