How can we prepare for our roles in God's kingdom today? Setting the Scene: Matthew 19:28 “Jesus said to them, ‘Truly I tell you, in the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.’” Understanding the Promise • The “renewal of all things” is a literal moment when Christ reigns visibly. • The apostles are promised real positions of authority—proof that God assigns responsibilities to His people in the age to come. • By extension, all believers will participate in governing and judging (1 Corinthians 6:2-3; Revelation 20:6). What Will We Be Doing? Scripture sketches a tangible future: • Reigning with Christ (2 Titus 2:12). • Judging the world and even angels (1 Corinthians 6:2-3). • Serving as priests and kings (Revelation 20:6; 22:3-5). Therefore, preparation matters now. Preparation Principle #1: Follow the King Unreservedly • Jesus’ promise in Matthew 19:28 is “to those who have followed Me.” • Follow means continual obedience, not a one-time decision (John 10:27). • Daily choices—time, talents, finances—declare where our allegiance lies (Matthew 6:21). Preparation Principle #2: Practice Kingdom Responsibilities Now • Faithfulness with “little” today trains us for “much” tomorrow (Luke 19:17). • Stewardships God gives—family, work, church—are internships for future rule. – Serve willingly (1 Peter 4:10-11). – Lead by example, not coercion (Mark 10:42-45). Preparation Principle #3: Grow in Christlike Character • Future judges must be righteous, merciful, and wise (Isaiah 11:3-5). • The Spirit shapes these qualities as we: – Soak in Scripture (Psalm 1:2-3). – Walk in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-25). – Confess sin quickly (1 John 1:9). Preparation Principle #4: Submit to Training Through Trials • Trials refine us for leadership (James 1:2-4; 1 Peter 1:6-7). • Suffering with Christ precedes reigning with Him (Romans 8:17). • Endurance builds the credibility needed to judge justly. Preparation Principle #5: Live by the Power of the Holy Spirit • Kingdom roles are supernatural; present empowerment must match future calling (Acts 1:8). • Ask, yield, and act: – Ask for filling (Luke 11:13). – Yield to His prompting (Romans 8:14). – Act in faith, expecting His strength (Philippians 4:13). Snapshots of Faithful Preparation • Joseph: managed Potiphar’s house and Egypt’s grain; his integrity under pressure trained him for national leadership (Genesis 39-41). • Daniel: served pagan kings with excellence, later receiving authority in God’s coming kingdom (Daniel 7:27). • The faithful servants in Jesus’ parables: those trustworthy over minas or talents were given cities (Luke 19:11-19; Matthew 25:20-23). Encouraging Final Thoughts The seats awaiting us in God’s kingdom are not honorary but functional. Every quiet act of obedience, every hidden sacrifice, every Spirit-led service hour is rehearsal for the day we reign alongside our Lord. Let’s invest wholeheartedly now, confident that “your labor in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Colossians 15:58). |
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