It was the top of the ninth inning with two outs. The score was tied and the team’s power hitter was at the plate. The ball was thrown, the batter swung and hit the ball deep into center field. The batter rounded the bases and crossed home plate for what seemed like a home run to win the ball game. But all the excitement turned to dismay when the umpire called him out for missing first base!
Sometimes, in all the excitement, we get ahead of ourselves and forget to put first things, first. Jesus, therefore, reminds us of what is to be our first priority in life when He said…
“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” (Matt. 6:33)
FIRST—Notice the PRESENCE of the King.
We are exhorted to seek a kingdom but you cannot have a kingdom without a king. The King of this kingdom is Jesus Christ and to seek His kingdom means two things: 1) It means that we accept Him as OUR King. In order to become part of His kingdom, He must become our King. 2) It means I am to submit to His authority as my King. A subject does not tell the king what he will or will not do; what laws he will or will not obey. To be in a king’s kingdom means to be submissive to that king’s laws and authority.
SECOND—Notice the PRIORITY of the King.
We are to seek His kingdom “first”. God cannot be fifth, or even second place in our lives; He must be in “first” place. There will be constant rivals in our lives trying to lure us away from Christ and His authority. Therefore, we must determine that nothing else will take “first” place because that is reserved for Jesus.
Every day we live, we have a choice to make. Will we serve ourselves, first, or will we serve Christ, first? All someone has to do is watch how you spend your time and money and they can tell which one you are serving, first.
THIRD—Notice the PROMISE of the King.
If we will seek God’s kingdom first, God gives us a wonderful promise “and all these things shall be added unto you.” This is an especially powerful promise when you consider the RESPONSIBILITY of the king. It is the responsibility of a king to take care of his subjects. Well, we are not only Christ’s subjects, we are His children! Therefore, you can be sure He will take care of you. This promise is also powerful when you consider the RESOURCES of the king. Because our King is also the Creator of the world, His resources from which to draw in order to meet our needs, are limitless!
Is Jesus the King of your life? If not, seek Him, today. Trust Him, not only as your King, but as your Lord and Savior! Then seek Him, first, before anything else, and watch how He blesses your life.