The intention of God is to have a witness through your life before this age will be officially over. What is this witness? A life bearing evidence to the comprehensiveness of God\’s purpose and work. A life that \”defends\” God. A life that speaks for God.
\”And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.\” Matthew 24:14
This is the substance of the true gospel. This matter began in the old testament. God said to His covenant people, \”…ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God.\” (Isaiah 43:12). This is why He said, both then and now, that He has made His people a kingdom of priests and kings who will show forth His praises (Exodus 19:7, 1 Peter 2:9, Rev. 1:6, 5:10). Which is another way of saying, they will express my life and it will bring praises and glory to me and by that they are my witnesses.
Remember what John said, \”I …am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ… for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.\” (Revelation 1:9). John was simply saying that he was a witness or testimony of Jesus Christ. This is the plan of God for everyone who comes to God: to make His people into a kingdom of priests and kings that bear witness for God before creation.
Now, what does that mean? How do I become a part of that kingdom? you may ask.
First, what it means:
Priest speaks of someone who \”ministers\” to God and receives the counsel of God.
King speaks of someone who \”ministers\” (for God) the counsel of God
This takes us to the prayer in Luke 11.
It is instructive that the declaration that God\’s Kingdom should come was a prayer (an office that the priest occupies). Let\’s look at the prayer as we pray together: \”…Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.\” (Luke 11:2). This prayer shows the two aspects of being a witness for God or a testimony of Jesus Christ.
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Thy Kingdom come: the priestly aspect
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Thy will be done: the kingly aspect
Becoming a part of the Kingdom
\”Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall:
For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.\” 2 Peter 1:10-11
We must press in, into the calling we have received in Christ Jesus. We must actually perform the functions of the office we have been brought into as priests and kings on the earth. Divine election must produce genuine experience.
Let us pray.
Picture Credit: Bible pic
