Matthew 6:33 – “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”  NKJV

             How many have quoted this passage?  Most of us!  Recently I had a discussion with a person regarding this passage and he challenged me asking, “The directive is to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.   Are those two separate and distinct items or is this saying that He is the kingdom of God?”  He was intrigued with the subject and honestly wanted my reflection on the question.

My immediate response question was, “What should be the primary focus of our seeking if it is not JESUS?”  It would be quite easy to split hairs, build doctrines and claim some new revelation that others can run with but what is the primary object of focus and seeking?  If I am seeking the kingdom of God am I not seeking Jesus, His rule, His authority, the life He has afforded?  If I am seeking His righteousness am I not seeking Jesus, His purity, His person and as a result His power?  If I am seeking His righteousness am I not seeking His Covenant?  If I am seeking  His righteousness am I not seeking to be completely transformed by His person and not just represent Him in this present world but manifest Him?

Jesus spoke words of comfort and promise in Luke 12:32 – “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”   The apostles preached the ‘gospel of the kingdom of God’ and the heart of their preaching was JESUS, His rule and righteousness.  Jesus told His followers that ‘the kingdom of God was at hand’ as a word to stir their hearts to a deeper commitment and resolve to stand firm in their faith.  The disciples asked Jesus, “Will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?”  (Acts 1:6) Jesus sent them out to preach ‘the kingdom of God’. (Luke 9).  He sent them with authority and power.  He sent them with His authority and power to not only proclaim but demonstrate the King and the Kingdom.

Therefore, I must ask, “what are we seeking?”  Some seek a kingdom in which they will have a place of prominence, profit or persona.  Some seek the kingdom of God in which Jesus is the Lord of all.  Some declare that they are seeking Him and in finding Him they will have ALL added to them.  Kingdom, Righteousness, Miracles, Power, Provision, Protection and most of all JESUS!  So what was the directive?  In my simple view it is to SEEK HIM. 

Would to God that our hearts so craved and desired Him that nothing could ever be allowed to become a substitute, distraction or diversion!  Would to God that we would become so focused on Him manifesting Himself in our lives that we turn neither to the right or the left but keep our focus on the prize of the high calling in Christ Jesus!  Would to God that we so focused and sought the kingdom of God and His righteousness that sin had the same impact on us as it did and does on Him!

            May God be with you as you go through this day!