“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” – Matthew 6:33
Comment: Jesus Christ during the sermon on the Mount of Olives made the statement that his disciples should seek God’s Kingdom and His righteousness first. Before making the statement, he had said no one should think of his/her life, or what to eat or drink or put on as raiment and so on. He said further that it is the Gentiles or ungodly that bother themselves about their life or how they should eat or drink or about material things. All Christians should think first about God’s Kingdom and His righteousness, and these material blessings will be additions. – Matthew 6:25-32.
The reason Jesus Christ gave for this directive is that if God our heavenly Father provides the needs of the birds and makes the lilies of field beautiful and grass of the field to grow effortlessly, He will do more than we need if we seek the growth of His Kingdom and His righteousness. King Solomon after he was made King requested that God should give him wisdom and understanding to govern God’s people, the Israelites. God was impressed that he did not ask for material things and gave him all he asked for including wealth, glory and honour. He became the wisest man in his days. – 1 Kings 3:8-14
The Psalm stated that the people of God should pray for the peace and prosperity of Jerusalem which is God’s Kingdom so that they may prosper. As it is written: “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces.” – Psalm 122:6-7
The answer of Jesus Christ to St. Peter’s
statement clears it all, “Then Peter said, Lo, we have left all, and followed thee. And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God’s sake, Who shall not receive manifold more in this present time, and in the world to come life everlasting. – Luke 18:28-30; see also Colossians 1:12,13; 2 Peter 1:5-11.
“Wherefore, we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. – Hebrews 12:28
Prayer: Our Father who art in heaven help us to heed the directive of Jesus Christ to seek first your Kingdom and righteousness for material blessings and Salvation to be obtained at the end through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.