But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. Matthew 6:33, TLV
Priorities, Anyone? This chapter is part of what is commonly known as the “Sermon on the Mount.” Jesus illuminates the heart of the Torah [the first five books of the Bible], Prophets, and Writings to the spiritually hungry Jewish souls reclining on that grassy hill. He began in chapter five with the “Beatitudes” then delves deeper.
“Do not think that I came to abolish the Torah or the Prophets! I did not come to abolish, but to fulfill. Amen, I tell you, until heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter or serif shall ever pass away from the Torah until all things come to pass.” Matthew 5:17-18, TLV
In this passage, Yeshua gives clues as to His identity and purpose. The prophecy about the coming New Covenant (Jeremiah 31:31ff), was being fulfilled right before their unknowing eyes. An additional covenant that not only included the Jewish people but would be offered to the nations who were pagan.
“But this is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after those days”
—it is a declaration of ADONAI [THE LORD]—
“I will put My Torah [My Law] within them.
Yes, I will write it on their heart.
I will be their God
and they will be My people.” Jeremiah 31:32, TLV
Today’s verse shines as a model of the Law in our hearts, not just on scrolls — or in our case, the whole of Scriptures. When our heart priorities are in line, everything else falls into place. “Seek first the kingdom of GOD and His righteousness” is Jesus further explaining the prayer He had just taught them.
“‘Our Father in heaven,
sanctified be Your name.
Your kingdom come,
Your will be done
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.'” (vss. 9-11, TLV)
Priorities do matter and priorities grounded in gratitude are powerful.
Faith Journey
If we think of our faith as a journey, we know each time we enter a new territory—like grief, financial hardship, divorce, job loss—we can become confused. That confusion can misdirect us.
Hikers — wise ones — will use a compass. If the compass is not calibrated to true North, the traveler will get lost.
It is the same with our priorities. When our priorities are to seek GOD’s will and what is the righteous thing to do, we are on course. Because when we are on course, the journey — though difficult, at times — is the right path to our destination.
For some, striving for righteousness may be a quiet journey. While others may have a calling to be a public voice of righteousness. In whatever way we are called, the most important thing is to be who GOD called us to be. To be in His will.
When we mess up — yes, everyone does it — it’s no surprise to our Heavenly Father. Just stop, repent, forgive, reconcile, whatever is necessary, then get back on course. I may sound like a broken record — or mp3 or mp4 or CD — but …
It’s not about perfection — it’s about trying.
How are your priorities?
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