Daily Devotions
The Kingdom Is Not For Everyone
Reading for January 14: Genesis 44-46
Weekly reading for January 14-20: Matthew 10-14
At that time Jesus declared, "I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children; yes, Father, for such was your gracious will."
Matthew 11:25-26
The kingdom of heaven is not for everyone. God fashioned the gospel of the kingdom in such a way that some would be attracted by it and others would reject it.
Who is drawn to it?
- The poor in spirit (Matthew 5:3). They have given up on figuring things out themselves. They are lost and know it. They are bankrupt.
- Those who mourn (Matthew 5:4). They understand the problem. They are the problem. They have made a mess of things and they know it.
- The meek (Matthew 5:5). Their heart is broken, and thus they are moldable. They respond to God's guidance. They welcome God's wisdom.
- And being completely empty of self, there is an ever-present, all-consuming hunger that is created for a right relationship with God (Matthew 5:6).
While those who are full are content with life, those who are drawn to the kingdom are only those who are discontented. They are not satisfied with themselves or their world. Something is missing. They feel incomplete and unsatisfied. Only a relationship with God will do.
Father, help create this hunger in all of us!
