NO GOOD TREE BEARS BAD FRUIT, NOR DOES A BAD TREE BEAR GOOD FRUIT. EACH TREE IS RECOGNIZED BY ITS OWN FRUIT. PEOPLE DO NOT PICK FIGS FROM THORNBUSHES, OR GRAPES FROM BRIERS. THE GOOD MAN BRINGS GOOD THINGS OUT OF THE GOOD STORED UP IN HIS HEART, AND THE EVIL MAN BRINGS EVIL THINGS OUT OF THE EVIL STORED UP IN HIS HEART. FOR OUT OF THE OVERFLOW OF HIS HEART HIS MOUTH SPEAKS (LUKE 6:43-45).
TODAY’S DEVOTION
Human history is replete with examples of good kings and bad kings, good kingdoms and bad kingdoms, benevolent governments and oppressive governments. One fact that stands out clearly is this: As the king goes, so goes the kingdom. Since a kingdom is tied so closely to the nature and character of its king, it is virtually impossible for a good kingdom to come from a bad king, or a bad kingdom to come from a good king.…
Fortunately for all of us, the King of kings is a good King, and His Kingdom is a good kingdom. That is why we who are citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven can live and work for the Kingdom—and engage the popular culture with it—in complete confidence that we are serving not only God, but also the better interests of our fellow humans who are not yet in the Kingdom. Our King’s rule is just and righteous. He rules with fairness, grace, compassion, mercy, and, most of all, love. And in His love He delights to give all good things to His children, His people.
(God’s Big Idea, Chapter Ten)
CONSIDERATIONS
1. How does our King of kings differ from kings of this world, be they unscrupulous CEOs, territorial dictators, dishonest managers, drunken husbands, etc.?
2. Jesus said,“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” Why did He preface His statement with “Do not be afraid”? What are people afraid of?
3. A depraved king’s kingdom will be characterized by____________, ______________, and______________.
4. The wealth of a kingdom will be reflected in the lifestyle of its people. If the kingdom is rich and the king is good, the people will be well off. Describe your lifestyle and quality of life as a citizen of the Kingdom of God.
5. Jesus says to you, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light” (Matt. 11:28-30). Does this Scripture bring you peace and comfort? Write about it.
MEDITATION
The King has the power and the ability to give rest to everyone who comes to Him—including all 6 billion plus of us on the face of the Earth. This is not some sweet and sentimental religious statement; it is a legal Kingdom decree. “Come to Me, all six billion and more of you; I can heal you all, house you all, feed you all, dress you all, and bless you all—and still have as much resources as when I began.”
Jesus is a good King, and His Kingdom is just what the world needs, which is why He wants to fill the Earth with His Kingdom communities, and use His citizens to do it.
(God’s Big Idea, Chapter Ten)
Living for a just and righteous King gives you purpose, hope, and lasting joy. Start living for Him today.