The kingdom of God is in direct conflict with the kingdom of
the spirit of this world, which is why when an earthly ministry is winning
souls for Christ, the enemies of the cross will come howling like jackals. Just
like how after Paul had commanded the evil spirit to come out of the slave girl
and delivered her from slavery to her owners, the apostles were immediately
brought before magistrates and thrown into jail. However, our LORD Himself had
said these words of comfort that even in the midst of intense earthly
persecutions that they'll receive a blessing and reward that far exceeds this earthly
life:
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness'
sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people revile you and
persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice
and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for in the same way they
persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:10-12)
And in another gospel, He comforted His Disciples with these
Words:
"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in
God; believe also in me. My Father's house has many rooms; if that were not so,
would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if
I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me
that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am
going." (John 14:1-4)
And in yet another gospel account, He comforts them about the troubles they would face after His Resurrection:
“I have said this to you, so that in me you may have peace.
In the world you face persecution. But take courage; I have conquered the
world!” (John 16:33) and “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill
the soul; rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” (Matthew
10:28)
Therefore, as a true follower of Christ, I'm reminded to
expect many trials and temptations in this life, yet my true wealth is not
measured in what I can amass in this limited lifetime, but how many souls have
I helped lead to heaven. Amen.
I came across this beautiful worship song titled "Thank
You" by Ray Boltz that had really touched my heart. A timely reminder of
my real treasures in life as per, Matthew 6:33 – “But strive first for the
kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you
as well.”
YouTube: https://youtu.be/1lVzeS5i8WQ
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