The Kingdom of God.

A merchant found a valuable pearl in a field (Matthew 13:46). We know it wasn’t his field, because he had to sell everything he had to buy it, along with the pearl. He recognised its worth and knew he had to have it. Other parables of Jesus speak in different ways about the Kingdom of God, but each makes the point that no one just stumbles into it. It has to be recognised for what it’s worth and sought after for what it is.

The Kingdom of Heaven doesn’t fall from the sky, like manna from heaven. We can’t go up to it, knock on the door and say, “Here I am,” and expect to be allowed in. It consists of the holiness of God and has to be regarded as such.

A farmer scattered seeds on the ground hoping they would take root and grow (Matthew 13:3). Most of them didn’t. Only those that fell on good soil produced a good crop, where they were fed and watered regularly.

However, the Kingdom can come knocking at our door: `Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in.` (Revelation 3:20). We must open the door to allow Him in, but not to any stranger who comes knocking. We need to be very careful whom we allow into our lives.

‘A certain man was preparing a great banquet and invited many guests’ (Luke 14:16). Nobody came. Blinded to the glorious riches of the Kingdom of Heaven, and unmoved by the banquet already prepared, is there no appetite for the things of God? Are we so busy sowing seeds on barren ground that the devil snaps it all away and all that’s left are the weeds? ‘The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ’ (2 Corinthians 4:4).

Let’s not put our hopes in the tainted resources of this life, which can be the fruits of greed, envy and self satisfaction. There is a higher prize. ‘Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? - The one who has clean hands and a pure heart’ (Psalm 24:3,4).

The Kingdom of God is not inaccessible. It’s not just for some time in the future. It’s accessible now, ‘nor will they say, “See here!’ or ‘See there!” for indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.’ We need to find the keys of righteousness, held only by Jesus Christ, but available to all. Then we can open the door to the Kingdom and live in it.

Prayer: Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Let Your will be done in my life today, and all my days, so that Your Kingdom becomes real to me, as I submit to You, Jesus Christ, King of kings. Amen.