As you go, make this proclamation: “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Matthew 10:7 NABRE
Jesus calls followers to be His messengers and then sends them to share His message. Jesus is sending those called, to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. Who are the lost sheep of Israel, likely the sinners, tax-collectors, those ignoring the Torah, who we might consider “secular Jews,” who stopped following the religion of their fathers. Jesus did not come for the righteous but to call sinners. So in sending out His followers Jesus wants the lost to know the Messiah has arrived and the kingdom of God is at hand. Those who live in the secular world have a different kind of kingdom, one where power and money rule and those who have nothing are left behind. Jesus has come to declare a new kingdom, one where power and money have no collateral, rather love and caring are valued in God’s kingdom. Many are lost because the shepherds of Israel had fallen captive to power and money and are not leading the people of Israel as God intends. “Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the flock of my pasture-oracle of the LORD.” (Jeremiah 23:1)
Jesus isn’t concerned for the moment about those who do not know God, He wants to enjoin those who have known God to return and strengthen the flock. Jesus is not trying to tell people about the kingdom of God, He wants to build the kingdom with those who know God. Telling people you want to build something wonderful is never as convincing as showing people the wonderful thing you have built. Jesus is building the kingdom of God with the chosen of God. Living in community, depending on God is His way to build the kingdom, then it can be shown to others who will see and want to join. It is not a Sunday meeting that is needed but a Godly kingdom.
Do you live in a Godly kingdom? Do you show others God’s kingdom?
Jesus desires the kingdom of God with the chosen of God. Living in community, depending on God is Jesus' plan to build the kingdom, then others will see and want to join. Jesus does not desire a Sunday meeting but a Godly kingdom. Share on X#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity #dailybibleverse @youversion #BeAnEncourager #kingdom #live #Matthew #everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse #verseoftheday #cross #last #gospels #loveeachother #godisgreat #thisVineyard #youversion #everythingalways