Jesus began his ministry proclaiming the arrival of “the kingdom of heaven.” Christians have been granted citizenship in this eternal kingdom made up of people from “every tribe, tongue, and nation.” We hope for King Jesus’ reign to extend over all the earth. In the meantime, our citizenship will often mark us for persecution.
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 4:17)
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:10)
“Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10)
“Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
“My kingdom is not of this world.” (John 18:36)
“We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29)
But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. (Philippians 3:20)
The blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, who dwells in unapproachable light, whom no one has ever seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion. (1 Timothy 6:15-16)
Let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe. (Hebrews 12:28)
For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come. (Hebrews 13:14)
You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. (1 Peter 2:9)
Behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne and to the Lamb!” (Revelation 7:9-10)
From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords. (Revelation 19:15-16)
Prayer
- Repent of any rebellion against King Jesus and his ways.
- Ask God to prepare us for the potential persecution we could face as citizens of his kingdom.
- Ask him to protect our fellow Christians who are being persecuted in other parts of the world.
- Ask him to extend his kingdom rule on earth and for his will to be done.
- Ask him to help us seek his kingdom and trust him for our needs.
- Ask him for wisdom to know when to resist human authorities that contradict his commands.
- Praise the King of kings and Lord of lords for his uniqueness, sovereignty, immortality, and glory.
- Express honor to King Jesus and renew your submission to him in each area of your life.
- Thank God for our citizenship in his unshakable kingdom.
- Ask him to help us see the temporary nature of our city and to seek the city to come.
- Ask him to renew our sense of identity as part of his holy nation.
- Ask him to help us proclaim his excellencies.
