Kingdom people, the beloved of God most High, and those who aspire likewise, the mission is set and the destination is sure: the kingdom of heaven. The glory that has yet to be revealed is impending. But it’s bursting forth will occur with the unspeakable splendor, might and majesty of the kingship of Jesus Christ. The words of John the Baptist knocks at the hearts of those who are lost. He succinctly and plainly delivers the saving message of the Gospel: “In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight” (Matthew 3:1-3).
Ultimately, and as the Bible teaches us, there will be an unveiling unlike we have never known; that is, until we have come to know as we have been known: “Charity never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away. For we know in part, and we prophesy in part. But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away” (1 Corinthians 13:8-10). The fullness of such Love from above is literally indescribable and the enormity of the joy of the Lord unimaginable.
Even during His humble beginnings in the region of Nazareth, the Christ child born of the virgin Mary (by the agency of the Holy Ghost) and embraced by his earthly father Joseph, was clearly defined by His divinity and His humanity. He was wise far beyond His years and His boldness was nothing short of incredible. Nevertheless, he grew both physically and spiritually, and He was indwelt by the Spirit of God the Father: “And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.” (Luke 2:40).
In the following narrative we observe the acts and actions of Jesus at the age of twelve (12), and in the care and company of His parents. On this particular day, as they did each year to observe the feast of unleavened bread, the family traveled up to Jerusalem. Once they’d accomplished the business at hand, they were homeward bound.
I use the word “they”, which is symbolic of the authority figures in the family, Mary and Joseph. It would be logical to conclude that the decision rested with them, or did it? Once they arrived home, for some reason they hadn’t noticed that Jesus was missing in action(?). Consequently, they simply returned to Jerusalem. Can anyone relate to this scenario?
Of course, Jesus obviously had a different plan and other business to attend to. More specifically, the Gospel of Luke continues the truth of the narrative: “And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him. And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions. And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers. And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing. And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?” (Luke 2:45-49).
Note that Jesus uses the expression “Wist ye not” or “Did you not realize” in His question. Jesus’ first allegiance was to God the Father in the heavenly realm. The example Jesus issues to us sets the standard and without compromise. As He was fully committed to the ministry or The Business of Kingdom exclusively. Such a commitment applies to us as well and, I repeat, WITHOUT COMPROMISE. In other words, we must be unquestionably and in totality “sold out to CHRIST”. I use the example of the apostle Paul in his message to the church in Corinth: “And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved” (2 Corinthians 12:15).
Such love could only be realized by being wholly surrendered to Jesus Christ, which is the essence of living a crucified life: "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me" (Galatians 2:20).
Now, let us all incline our ears and hearken to the proclamation and the promise of Jesus Christ and King on high: “For he hath looked down from the height of his sanctuary; from heaven did the LORD behold the earth; To hear the groaning of the prisoner; to loose those that are appointed to death; His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood:and his name is called The Word of God. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS” (Psalms 103:19-20; Revelation 19: 12-13,16).
As we have seen, and now we must truly understand the truth concerning this kingdom the SCRIPTURE is teaching us about. In fact, the Author of the way, the truth and life in the kingdom of heaven has now come, and thus is in our midst: “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life. Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (John 6:63; Matthew 5:3,10). The foregoing passages from the Gospel of Matthew are also included in the BEAUTITUDES, which will be developed later in the text.
This spiritual kingdom that the Gospels are alluding to precedes the physical Kingdom of God in Christ that will culminate at the second advent of Jesus Christ when He returns for His CHURCH. He will descend upon Mount Olivet, where he first ascended into heaven: “And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south” (Zechariah 14:4).
We must wait patiently while we work the work of the business of the kingdom and to God be the GLORY. But we are called to work without languishing but as kingdom people loving, laboring and with the expectation of the anticipation of being transported to GLORY!
In conclusion, I leave you my Beloved, with what is referred to in the Bible as the Sermon on the Mount or Beatitudes. It is arguably the greatest sermon Jesus ever preached. It has also been referred to as a pronouncement of blessings, or in some instances it has been entitled the "Constitution of Christianity". Nonetheless, it is epic and nowise is this message teaching one how to be saved. But contrariwise it is identifying those who have been delivered from the wrath that's yet to come, and by our Lord's saving grace: none other than those who consistently demonstrate the quality and character of the Kingdom people.
The BEATITUDES of Jesus Christ: Matthew 5:1-12
1 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him:
2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying,
3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.
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