Monday, December 10, 2012

THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NOT MEAT AND DRINK


IN THE BEGINNING…THE WORD
DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR TODAY, DECEMBER 10, 2012
THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NOT MEAT AND DRINK

For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.  Romans 14:17
How often does the world attempt to minimize God?  How quickly the world attempts to depreciate the significance of His kingdom.  Why are the saints of God troubled by so many things other than that which is essential?  For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND PEACE, AND JOY IN THE HOLY GHOST. 

The story of Martha and Mary comes to mind when thinking of that which is significant in the Kingdom of God.  This story of Martha and Mary can be found in the book of Luke, and reads as follows: 
Now it came to pass, as they went, that he entered into a certain village: and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.
But Martha was cumbered about much serving, and came to him, and said, Lord, dost thou not care that my sister hath left me to serve alone? bid her therefore that she help me.
And Jesus answered and said unto her, Martha, Martha, thou art careful and troubled about many things: But one thing is needful: and Mary hath chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her. Luke 10:38-42

 Throughout history people have continually tried to infer that the kingdom was about meat, drink, circumcision, holydays --taking the focus off of Jesus.  But we are warned in Scripture to beware of such vain deceits:

Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.
For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.
And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:
In whom also ye are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ:
Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.
And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, hath he quickened together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses;
 Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross;
And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.  Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
 Colossians 2:8-17

 Jesus Christ has destroyed, spoiled and triumphed over every lesser thing.  He has triumphed over every thing that would consume your time, take your mind, or exalt itself above the power of God.  In Christ, you are complete.  He has accomplished your salvation.  Rise above every vain pursuit and hold onto Christ as you dwell in the Kingdom of God!

 Today, let us thank God that the kingdom of God is not in meat and drink but wholly and completely in Christ Jesus.