Tag: Kingdom of God

Justice in an unjust society 4

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God powerfully identifies with the poor, weak and oppressed in our world and rewards every act of kindness towards “the least of these”.

Today’s reading will be powerfully enhanced with this song from Leeland:

Scripture

Matthew 25:31-40

31  “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32  Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33  And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left.

34  Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35  For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36  I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’

37  Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38  And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39  And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’

40  And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

Observation questions

  1. What event is Jesus referring to in this text?
  2. Who is Jesus referring to by “the Son of Man”? (verse 31; refer to Daniel 7:13-14)
  3. Note the judgment of the King: what is the reason mentioned for allowing “these to inherit the kingdom prepared”? (verses 34-36)
  4. List the kindnesses shown by those who inherited the kingdom. (verses 35-36)
  5. How many kindnesses did the recipients of the kingdom have to show to receive this reward? (v40)
  6. Why are the recipients of this reward so surprised? (verses 37-40)

Reflection and application questions

  1. What are the key truths in this texts about (a) eternal judgment, (b) mercy / kindness, and (c) God’s identification with the poor, weak and oppressed?
  2. Can you recall one poor, weak, sick, or imprisoned person whom you have shown kindness in the past? What does this text say about God’s attitude towards your act of kindness?
  3. When last have you gone out of your way to show kindness to a weak, poor, or oppressed person?
  4. Pray for compassion and wisdom, then schedule time this week to show kindness “to one of the least of these”, as though you do it to God himself.

 

REVELATION 4 – A Throne set in Heaven

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In approximately AD 96, during his exile to the island of Patmos John the Apostle received instructions to record what Jesus revealed to him in a book (Revelation) including this chapter of the throne set in Heaven, the nature and character of the One seated the throne, and the response of those around this throne.

Scripture

Revelations 4:1-11

1  After this I looked, and behold, a door standing open in heaven! And the first voice, which I had heard speaking to me like a trumpet, said, “Come up here, and I will show you what must take place after this.” 2  At once I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne.

3  And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald. 4  Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads. 5  From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder, and before the throne were burning seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God,

6  and before the throne there was as it were a sea of glass, like crystal. And around the throne, on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind: 7  the first living creature like a lion, the second living creature like an ox, the third living creature with the face of a man, and the fourth living creature like an eagle in flight. 8  And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” 9  And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10  the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11  “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”

Observation and reflection questions

Notes: After recording the seven letters to the congregations (chapters 2-3) John saw a vision: of a throne in heaven, of Him on the throne, and of the response of those around the throne. “jasper” probably refers to a diamond-like stone (refer to Revelation 21:11) while “carnelian” is a deep red stone.

  1. John writes the same command twice in verses 1 and 2 – did you notice it? What does he call the reader to do, and why?
  2. Record what you learn from John’s vision about:

(a) the throne (verse 2)

(b) the One who sits on the throne (verses 3-5)

(c) the response of those around the throne (verses 6-11)

  1. What do you learn from the character and nature of “the one seated on the throne” by each of these descriptions?
  • Like the biggest and clearest jasper (think diamond) and carnelian (verse 3)
  • Encircled by a rainbow (verse 3; hint: think Noah, Genesis 9:15)
  • With many righteous rulers on the thrones around His throne (verse 4; hint: think of these representing the church through the ages)
  • With “flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder” (verse 5; hint: this phrase appears another three times in Revelation (8:5; 11:19; 16:18), each time before God’s judgment is poured out on rebellious people)
  • With “seven torches” lighting evening before the throne (verse 5; hint: seven implies perfection – so what could perfect light imply here?)
  1. What could these responses to the One on the Throne mean or imply?
  • Before the throne was “a sea of glass, like crystal” (verse 6; hint: sea in Jewish writing usually refers to uncertainty, danger, and elsewhere chaos among the nations – see Psalm 93 below)
  • Four living creatures covered with eyes (verses 6-8; hint: could more eyes observe and take in more beauty and glory…?)
  • The four living creatures creaming “Holy!… Almighty!… [Ever-Living!]” (verses 7-8; hint: consider the mightiest domestic animal, mightiest wild animal, mightiest creature on earth, mightiest bird in flight, mightiest angelic being (Isaiah 6), yet what is their response to Him on the Throne…?)
  • The 24 rulers casting their crowns, prostrating themselves before Him on the Throne in Heaven (verses 10-11; hint – what is implied in the church falling down before God?)

Personal Reflection questions

  1. The first recipients of John’s Revelation were severely suffering congregations, being tried for their faith by an egotistical ruler (Cesar Domitian) and tempted by their perverse societies. What would this vision of God seated on his heavenly throne have meant to them? (consider the throne, him who sat on it and the response).
  2. How does this vision of the heavenly throne, the nature and character of God, as well as the response around the throne (a) comfort and (b) challenge you personally?

Prayer and Worship

Read Psalm 93 to note the similarity with Revelation 4, and respond in prayer and praise of our God who reigns!

Psalm 93:1-5

1  The LORD reigns; he is robed in majesty; the LORD is robed; he has put on strength as his belt. Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved. 2  Your throne is established from of old; you are from everlasting.

3  The floods have lifted up, O LORD, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their roaring.

4  Mightier than the thunders of many waters, mightier than the waves of the sea, the LORD on high is mighty! 5  Your decrees are very trustworthy; holiness befits your house, O LORD, forevermore.

beholdthethrone-22

 

 

How leaders can grow leading people into vision and values

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Shared values cultivate unity around a central purpose and help individuals to make good, godly life decisions.

Look at this short video where Werner Joubert, pastor of Shofar Christian Church Secunda, South Africa, gives practical help to small group leaders to cultivate the vision and values of their local church in their discipleship relationships.

Scripture

Romans 14:2-5, 10-17

2 One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. 3 Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. 4 Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. 5 One person esteems one day as better than another, while another esteems all days alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind…

10 Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; 11 for it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” 12 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.

13 Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother. 14 I know and am persuaded in the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean in itself, but it is unclean for anyone who thinks it unclean. 15 For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died.16 So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. 17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.

Observations and reflection questions

Context: There were different factions in the congregations of Rome arguing about a Christian’s diet religious observances of feasts days. 

  1. According to Paul, why is arguing about what is right and wrong (in terms of religious observations) wrong? [hint: verses 3-4]
  2. Paul gives two “tests” by which to judge what is acceptable or right in terms of religious observances. What are these two “tests”? [hint: verses 12, 17]
  3. What do understand under the phrase “the kingdom of God is … of righteousness andpeace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” [verse 17]
  4. How would agreement to the priority of “the kingdom of God is … of righteousness andpeace and joy in the Holy Spirit” help these believers to maintain unity and agreement in their service of Christ?

Application and prayer

As the church in Rome grew in number, so did the opinions of what is right and what is wrong, leading to factions and infighting within the church.  Paul obviously had his convictions, but he was wise enough not to impose his own convictions on others; rather, he brought the whole conversation back to the core of the Gospel: to establish the reign of God in each life and community, and from there he laid the well-established pillars (or values) of the Kingdom of God: “what promotes righteousness, peace and joy in God? Do this!”

  1. If someone who works with you were to compile your core values based on what they hear you talk about, what would that list contain? Try to honestly write this down.
  2. Such core values are very useful in directing a life or community in what is most important, as it strives to emulate what it desires to produce. As an exercise, prayerfully compile a list of core values (3-5) that could act as guideline to navigate
    1. your personal life
    2. the fellowship group or work department which you lead
  3. How would you make these values “workable”? Prayerfully consider which practices/ habits would transfer these guiding values from the paper to the heart of the group/ community.

How leaders can grow in apostolic grace

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Supernatural signs confirm the message of the Kingdom of God.  So how does a leader grow in the demonstration of spirit and power?

Look at this short inspirational video by Andre Kruger who has seen tremendous growth in his personal life and congregation in the demonstration of spirit and power. Form more on his teachings regarding this visit his page http://heavensflow.org/

Scriptures

Matthew 4:17-24

17  From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” … 23  And he went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people. 24  So his fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, epileptics, and paralytics, and he healed them.

Matthew 10:1-8

1  And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction… 5  These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, 6  but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7  And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8  Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay.

Observations and Reflection

Note: Matthew, being a Jew, respectfully chose to use the euphoric phrase “Kingdom of Heaven” where the other evangelists used the phrase “Kingdom of God”.

  1. List the similarities between these two portions from the Gospel of Matthew.
  2. What was the message preached?
  3. To whom did they preach?
  4. What accompanied the preaching of this message?
  5. What is “the Kingdom of God”? What synonyms could you use for the phrase “Kingdom of God”?
  6. Why did these signs follow the pronouncement of the Kingdom of God? [hint: where does sickness, death, leprosy and demonic oppression come from?]
  7. What was the purpose of these accompanying signs?

Personal reflection and Application

Jesus and his disciples preached the Good News of the Kingdom of God, calling the Jews to repent of their rebellion and sin and submit to the reign of God – and signs of this good reign of God followed as the blind saw, deaf heard, lame walked, the sick was healed and the oppressed were delivered, even the dead raised! These signs testify of the good and powerful reign of God.

  1. Signs and wonders are more commonly observed during evangelic outreaches and gospel crusades. Have you witnessed this before? And why do you think it is so?
  2. Considering today’s scripture reading, how would one grow in the apostolic anointing or demonstration of the Spirit and Power? [hint: apostle means ‘sent one, messenger or emissary’]
  3. Jesus and his disciples preached ‘the Kingdom of God’ among their own people. Prayerfully prepare a 10minute message on the Kingdom of God and preach it to people you associate with. Then follow up with demonstration of the Kingdom of God by praying for sick or oppressed people. (Consider taking this message to hospitals or prisons in your area).
  4. If you have not been on a mission trip in the last year, plan to join one in the next 12 months.

Prayer

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.

Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread,

and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.

For yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory,

Now and forever. Amen”

 

The Kingdom of God 9 – No more tears

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The aim of this devotional study is to reflect on the promise of God’s reign.

Scripture

Revelation 21:1-5

1  Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.  2  And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.  3  And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.  4  He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”  5  And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

Observation and reflection

  1. According to this vision of John, what is the new creation like which God shall create?
  2. Note how God will relate to people in this New Creation in verse 3. What do you understand in these three phrases?
    1. “he will dwell with them”
    2. “they will be his people”
    3. “God himself will be with them as their God”
  3. In verse 4 John describes how God will comfort and console his people in the New Creation.
    1. What shall be no more?
    2. What does this suggest of the nature and character of God?
    3. What are the “former things” which “have passed away?”
    4. Why were there “death”, “mourning”, “crying”, and “pain” in the previous creation?
    5. Why have they “passed away”? In other words, what would cause them to pass away when God makes all things new?

Personal reflection and prayer

When the Lord returns to reign in his kingdom, there will be no more death, suffering, sickness or pain.  He promises to make all things new!

  1. If God rebuilds city structures, making it new, would it take away “death”, “mourning”, “crying”, and “pain”? Why not?  Would replacing a government, or renewing an education system, or better health system, or rejuvenated the economy bring an end to “death”, “mourning”, “crying”, and “pain”?  Why not?
  2. What must God “make new” to eradicate “death”, “mourning”, “crying”, and “pain”. [hint: how did these things enter into the first creation?  And what did Jesus came to make new? (2 Corinthians 5:17)]
  3. Which behavioral patterns do you notice in you which causes “pain” in people who cross your path daily – especially those closest to you? Confess that to God and ask him to renew your heart, that his Kingdom may come into that area of your life!

 

The Kingdom of God 8 – Good News

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The aim of this devotional study is to reflect on the essence of the Gospel and its promise of liberation.

Scripture

Isaiah 52:1-9

1  Awake, awake, put on your strength, O Zion; put on your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city; for there shall no more come into you the uncircumcised and the unclean.  2  Shake yourself from the dust and arise; be seated, O Jerusalem; loose the bonds from your neck, O captive daughter of Zion.  3  For thus says the LORD: “You were sold for nothing, and you shall be redeemed without money.”  4  For thus says the Lord GOD: “My people went down at the first into Egypt to sojourn there, and the Assyrian oppressed them for nothing.  5  Now therefore what have I here,” declares the LORD, “seeing that my people are taken away for nothing? Their rulers wail,” declares the LORD, “and continually all the day my name is despised.  6  Therefore my people shall know my name. Therefore in that day they shall know that it is I who speak; here I am.”  7  How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”  8  The voice of your watchmen–they lift up their voice; together they sing for joy; for eye to eye they see the return of the LORD to Zion.  9  Break forth together into singing, you waste places of Jerusalem, for the LORD has comforted his people; he has redeemed Jerusalem.

Mark 1:14-15

14  After John had been put in prison, Jesus went to Galilee and preached the Good News from God.  15  “The right time has come,” he said, “and the Kingdom of God is near! Turn away from your sins and believe the Good News!”

Observation and reflection

Consider Isaiah 52:1-9 quoted above:

  1. Summarize the message of the prophet shortly.
  2. What seems to be the context into which Isaiah prophesies? (v1-5)
  3. What is the “good news”?
  4. What is implied in the “good news”? (v9c) [hint: consider the context from (b) above]
  5. What is the response to the “good news”? (v7-9)

Consider Mark 1:14-15 quoted above:

  1. According to this text, what was the core of Jesus’ message?
  2. According to Jesus, how would such a person access the Kingdom of God?
  3. What similarities do you notice between Jesus’ message and Isaiah’s message quoted above?
  4. How do you understand the flow in the message of Jesus? In other words how do the phrases “Good News” + “Kingdom of God is at hand” + “repent and believe” relate to each other?  Rewrite Jesus’ message in your own words.

Application and prayer

The Kingdom of God is always Good News, because in the reign of God always liberates the oppressed and results in righteousness, peace and joy for all!

Consider the deteriorating life of a drug addict, or bulimic, or perfectionist, or procrastinator, or gambler.

  1. In which ways are this person enslaved by his or her own passions?
  2. In which ways do this person’s life correspond to the Jews oppressed by the Egyptians or Assyrians as noted in Isaiah’s prophesy (quoted above)?
  3. How would the Kingdom of God be good news for such a person?
  4. Do you know such a person? Pray to God that this person would have faith and grace for repentance.
  5. Which aspect of your life is enslaving you, or in danger of enslaving you? Repent of it, and ask for faith that God would reign over this aspect of your life.

The Kingdom of God 8 – Good News

The aim of this devotional study is to reflect on the essence of the Gospel and its promise.

Scripture

Isaiah 52:1-9

1  Awake, awake, put on your strength, O Zion; put on your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city; for there shall no more come into you the uncircumcised and the unclean.  2  Shake yourself from the dust and arise; be seated, O Jerusalem; loose the bonds from your neck, O captive daughter of Zion.  3  For thus says the LORD: “You were sold for nothing, and you shall be redeemed without money.”  4  For thus says the Lord GOD: “My people went down at the first into Egypt to sojourn there, and the Assyrian oppressed them for nothing.  5  Now therefore what have I here,” declares the LORD, “seeing that my people are taken away for nothing? Their rulers wail,” declares the LORD, “and continually all the day my name is despised.  6  Therefore my people shall know my name. Therefore in that day they shall know that it is I who speak; here I am.”  7  How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”  8  The voice of your watchmen–they lift up their voice; together they sing for joy; for eye to eye they see the return of the LORD to Zion.  9  Break forth together into singing, you waste places of Jerusalem, for the LORD has comforted his people; he has redeemed Jerusalem.

Mark 1:14-15

14  After John had been put in prison, Jesus went to Galilee and preached the Good News from God.  15  “The right time has come,” he said, “and the Kingdom of God is near! Turn away from your sins and believe the Good News!”

 

Observation and reflection

Consider Isaiah 52:1-9 quoted above:

  1. Summarize the message of the prophet shortly.
  2. What seems to be the context into which Isaiah prophesies? (v1-5)
  3. What is the “good news”?
  4. What is implied in the “good news”? (v9c) [hint: consider the context from (b) above]
  5. What is the response to the “good news”? (v7-9)

Consider Mark 1:14-15 quoted above:

  1. According to this text, what was the core of Jesus’ message?
  2. According to Jesus, how would such a person access the Kingdom of God?
  3. What similarities do you notice between Jesus’ message and Isaiah’s message quoted above?
  4. How do you understand the flow in the message of Jesus? In other words how do the phrases “Good News” + “Kingdom of God is at hand” + “repent and believe” relate to each other?
    1. Rewrite Jesus’ message in your own words.

Application and prayer

The Kingdom of God is always Good News, because in the reign of God always liberates the oppressed and results in righteousness, peace and joy for all!

Consider the deteriorating life of a drug addict, or bulimic, or perfectionist, or procrastinator, or gambler.

  1. In which ways are this person enslaved by his or her own passions?
  2. In which ways do this person’s life correspond to the Jews oppressed by the Egyptians or Assyrians as noted in Isaiah’s prophesy (quoted above)?
  3. How would the Kingdom of God be good news for such a person?
  4. Do you know such a person? Pray to God that this person would have faith and grace for repentance.
  5. Which aspect of your life is enslaving you, or in danger of enslaving you? Repent of it, and ask for faith that God would reign over this aspect of your life.

 

The Kingdom of God 7 – righteousness and joy

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The aim of this devotional Bible Study is to reflect on the anticipation and nature of the kingdom of God.

Scripture

Psalms 97:1-12

1  The LORD reigns, let the earth rejoice; let the many coastlands be glad! 2  Clouds and thick darkness are all around him; righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne. 3  Fire goes before him and burns up his adversaries all around. 4  His lightnings light up the world; the earth sees and trembles.

5  The mountains melt like wax before the LORD, before the Lord of all the earth. 6  The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all the peoples see his glory.

7  All worshipers of images are put to shame, who make their boast in worthless idols; worship him, all you gods!

8  Zion hears and is glad, and the daughters of Judah rejoice, because of your judgments, O LORD. 9  For you, O LORD, are most high over all the earth; you are exalted far above all gods. 10  O you who love the LORD, hate evil! He preserves the lives of his saints; he delivers them from the hand of the wicked. 11  Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart. 12  Rejoice in the LORD, O you righteous, and give thanks to his holy name!

Observation and reflection

  1. What is the tone or mood of this Psalm? [hint: note the emotive descriptors in verses 1, 8, 11, 12]
  2. What is the reason for this mood? (verses 1, 9)
  3. The Psalmist describes the LORD as a King approaching to rule words like “clouds and thick darkness”, “fire that consumes his enemies”, “lightnings”, “people tremble”, “mountains wax” and “glory”. (v2-6) Give two or three words that desribe what this King is like, as described in these verses.
  4. What is this King’s kingdom like? [hint: note verses 2, 6, 11, 12]
  5. The response to this awesome King’s reign is dived. What groups of people are mentioned, and how do they respond to God’s rule?
  6. In the kingdom of God “light” and “joy” “is sown for the righteous” (v11). What do you think the Psalmist means to say?

Personal relfection and prayer

God is an awesome King who rules in righteousness and justice; even in the Old Testament the coming of his kingdom was anticipated and celebrated.

  1. Reflect on your government and its political arena. Can you say of it that “righteousness and justice are the foundation” of this government?  Why/ why not?
    1. Pray for God’s kingdom to come – starting in your heart and home! Then pray for “righteousness and justice” in your land.
  2. Reflect on the society of today. Would you rather describe it as being “joyful” or “fearful”? Why/why not?
    1. Pray for God’s kingdom to come – starting in your heart and home! Pray that “Old men and old women shall again sit in the streets… And [that] the streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls playing in its streets.” (Zechariah 8:4-5)
Senior couple enjoying time together at the park

The Kingdom of God 6 – simple trust

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The aim of this devotional study is to remind yourself that God is in control and that he cares for his children.

Scripture

Matthew 18:1-5

1  At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”  2  Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, 3  and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. 4  Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5  Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me.  6  Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea.

Observations and reflections

Context: In Matthew’s gospel the phrase “kingdom of heaven(s)” is used as a euphemism to the Jewish hearers (or readers) who reverently wish not to use the implied “kingdom of God” in public.

  1. Summarize Jesus’ answer to the question “who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
  2. Knowing the disciples, what was the motive in their question posed to Jesus? (v1)
  3. In the world today, who is typically regarded as the greatest?
    1. How is a child NOT like that?
    2. What are the typical characteristics of a little child? Name at least 6.
  4. Why would Jesus say that one would need to be “converted” to become like a little child before they “enter the kingdom of heaven”?
    1. What did Jesus imply in his answer to his disciples?
  5. Jesus highlights two characteristics of children. What are they? [hint: v4, 6]

Personal reflection

Little children are generally joyful, simple-minded, innocent, unassuming, unpretentious, and trusting.  Jesus said we have to become like this and gain access to the kingdom of God.

  1. Little children are simple-minded, unassuming, and unpretentious. In which way have you grown in humility during this year? How do you measure your growth in humility?
  2. Children are typically trusting and obedient. In which way have you grown in obedience and trust of God during this year?  What prevents you from trusting obedience of God?
  3. Are you more/less joyful now than a year ago? How do you know it?

Prayer

Reflecting on one of the three questions above, pray that God would create in you’re a simple, joyful, trusting childlikeness.  in honesty share your thoughts and motives to God.

 

The Kingdom of God 4 – Priority

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The aim of this devotional study is to consider one’s own attachments and priorities in light of God’s value system.

Scripture

Matthew 13:44-46

44  “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and hid; and for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field.

45  “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, 46  who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.

Observation and reflections

Jesus told these stories (parables) to explain abstract truths about the Kingdom of God to his audience.

  1. Reading both these parables, what is the main lesson Jesus meant to teach about the kingdom of God and our relation to it?
  2. What type of man (in terms of his vocation, social status, education, and wealth) would typically be digging in a field he does not own?
  3. In Jesus’ day pearls were a rare and very expensive commodity. What type of person (in terms of his social status, education, and wealth) would be trading in it?
  4. Compare the two parables and fill in the missing words
Parable Treasure in the field Pearl of great price
Who found it? Common worker
How did he find it? Accidentally
What was his response?
How did he obtain it?
  1. Jesus told two very similar parables, which Matthew recorded next to each other. Why?
  1. Considering the differences and similarities between the two parables
    1. Both a common worker and a trained businessman discovered more they ever dreamed of. What did Jesus mean to say about the kingdom of God and (i) education or intellect?
    2. A worker accidentally discovered it while a seeking merchant found it. What did Jesus mean to teach about the kingdom of God?
    3. Both could obtain these precious discoveries. What did Jesus mean to say about the kingdom of God?
    4. The worker found it while he was alone a field; the merchant found it while engaging with people trading and comparing pearls. What did Jesus mean to say about the kingdom of God?
    5. Both sold all they had to obtain the treasure. What did Jesus mean to say about the kingdom of God?

 

Personal reflection and prayer

A common worked dug and discovered it, a rich pearl merchant travelled far and wide to obtain it.  Both sold all they had and thereby could possess it.  What does that teach you about the Kingdom of God?

  1. Both the worker and the merchant “sold all that he had to obtain” the kingdom of God. How does that challenge your priorities and preoccupation with material things today?
  2. Pray that God would see his worth and his reward.
  3. Pray that God would grace you to “seek first the kingdom of God” today.

Kingdom of God 3 – Small beginnings

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The aim of this devotional study is to consider the growth and impact of the reign of God in a person or community’s life.

Scripture

Mark 4:26-32

26  And He said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, 27  and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how. 28  For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head. 29  But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.”

30  Then He said, “To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall we picture it? 31  It is like a mustard seed which, when it is sown on the ground, is smaller than all the seeds on earth; 32  but when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all herbs, and shoots out large branches, so that the birds of the air may nest under its shade.”

Observations and reflections

  1. Identify the two parables of Jesus in the Text above, and retell it in your own words.
  2. Consider the first parable quoted above (v26-29):
    1. Recall to memory the more well-known sower-parable with the four soil-types (Mark 4:3-20). What are the big differences between the two parable?
    2. What is the emphasis of the sower-parable quoted above (v26-29)? [hint: what does the sower not know?]
    3. What does the sower desire from his act of sowing?
    4. In this parable, what is the seed, the ground, the grain and the harvest?
  3. Consider the second parable quoted above (v30-32):
    1. What is the emphasis of this parable?
    2. In this parable, what is the seed, the other plants, and the birds?
  4. Compare the two parables:
    1. What are the big differences between the two parables and what do we learn about the Kingdom of God from it?
    2. What are the similarities between the two parables and what do we learn about the Kingdom of God from it?

Personal reflections and application

Jesus frequently compared the Kingdom of God to a seed being sown, producing a big harvest or big tree for shelter.  Without the sower scattering the seed to the ground, there will be no harvest, yet the sower does not have the power to cause the growth itself.

  1. “Without the sower there will be no big harvest, no big tree.”
    1. With whom have you recently shared the Gospel of Christ? What was their response?
    2. How does this parable challenge your habit of sharing the “Gospel of the Kingdom” with people?
  2. Consider a picture of “a big Kingdom-mustard tree” from Paul and Silas’ first visit to Thessalonica.

Acts 17:6-7 But when they did not find [Paul and Silas], they dragged Jason and some brethren to the rulers of the city, crying out, “These who have turned the world upside down have come here too. Jason has harbored them, and these are all acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying there is another king–Jesus.”

  1. Think about the words “they have turned the world upside-down… acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying there is another king – Jesus”. What can the Gospel of Jesus do in your neighborhood, city or nation? Dream a bit.
  2. Pray for revival, and for boldness to share Jesus today.

 

 

 

 

 

Jesus trialed as King – “no threat” – yet his kingdom toppled the Roman empire.