In what ways can we seek Jesus' kingdom in our current circumstances? A Heart-Cry for the Kingdom “Then he said, ‘Jesus, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.’” (Luke 23:42) The condemned thief offers no defense, no résumé of good works—only a simple, faith-filled plea. The Lord responds with an immediate promise (v. 43). That exchange shows how anyone, in any circumstance, can seek Jesus’ kingdom the same way: • Recognize who Jesus really is—King and Savior (John 18:37). • Confess personal need and guilt (1 John 1:9). • Entrust the future to His reign (Romans 10:9). Core Attitudes for Kingdom Seekers • Humility—Acknowledging our utter dependence on Christ, just as the thief did. • Repentance—Turning from sin toward the King (Acts 3:19). • Faith—Believing Jesus’ rule is real and eternal (Hebrews 11:6). • Hope—Expecting His promised kingdom with certainty (Titus 2:13). Practical Ways to Seek His Kingdom Today • Prioritize His rule: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). Let decisions—time, money, relationships—flow from obedience to the King. • Fix your mind on heavenly realities: “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:2). Daily Scripture reading and meditation recalibrate perspective. • Serve faithfully where you are: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). Workplace, home, church, community become kingdom outposts. • Share the gospel: The thief used his remaining breaths to point the other criminal toward Jesus (Luke 23:40-41). We echo that witness with clear, loving proclamation (2 Corinthians 5:20). • Cultivate kingdom character: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness… “Against such things there is no law” (Galatians 5:22-23). The Spirit’s fruit displays the culture of Christ’s kingdom. • Invest in eternal treasure: Generous giving to meet needs and advance the gospel (1 Timothy 6:18-19). • Endure hardship with kingdom perspective: “For here we do not have a permanent city, but we are looking for the city that is to come” (Hebrews 13:14). Suffering becomes an occasion for hope. Living Between Two Horizons The thief hung between life and death yet fixed his eyes on the coming kingdom; we live between Christ’s first and second coming. Scripture’s literal promises anchor us: • “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8) • “Because I live, you also will live.” (John 14:19) • “‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” (Revelation 22:20) Holding these truths, we seek His kingdom now—confident it will soon be fully revealed. |
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