Verse of the Day for Wednesday, September 27, 2023

 

Verse of the Day
Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Matthew 6:33

But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Context
To fully understand Matthew 6:33, it's crucial to look at its context. The verse is part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, where He addresses a wide range of moral, ethical, and spiritual topics. Leading up to this verse, Jesus has been teaching about the futility of worry, especially regarding material needs like food and clothing (Matthew 6:25-32). He contrasts the natural world, where birds and flowers thrive without anxiety, to human concerns about physical needs, emphasizing that if God cares for the lesser parts of creation, how much more will He care for human beings, who are made in His image.

Seek First His Kingdom and His Righteousness
The call to "seek first his kingdom and his righteousness" is a reorientation of priorities. In a world where people often seek financial security, social status, or personal success as primary goals, Jesus challenges His listeners to prioritize God's kingdom and righteousness above all else.

• Kingdom: Seeking God's kingdom means acknowledging His sovereign rule and aligning one’s life with His purposes. It implies participation in advancing God's rule on earth, both through personal growth in holiness and through actions that promote justice, love, and peace.

•  Righteousness: This is not merely individual moral perfection, but rather a holistic sense of living in right relationship with God and others. Righteousness incorporates personal integrity, social justice, and faithfulness to God's law.

All These Things Will Be Given to You As Well
Jesus assures that when God's kingdom and righteousness become our primary focus, our material and other needs ("all these things") will be met. This is not a "prosperity gospel" promise for wealth and ease; instead, it's an assurance of provision and care. The statement serves to relieve anxiety and fear, anchoring the listener in the understanding that God is a caring provider who knows our needs even before we ask (Matthew 6:8).

Applications
1. Spiritual Priorities: Life can be filled with distractions and worries. This verse is a reminder to prioritize spiritual growth and relationship with God, above all else.

2. Trust: Implicit in this command is a need to trust God for provision. Worry and anxiety often arise when we take our focus off God. By seeking Him first, we cultivate a posture of trust.

3. Social Justice: Seeking God's righteousness also implies a call to social action. God’s righteousness is concerned not just with individual behavior but also with systemic issues of justice and fairness.

4. Community Aspect: The promise of provision is not only individual but also communal. As members of God's kingdom, we are to share and bear each other's burdens, ensuring that needs are met within the community.

In summary, Matthew 6:33 challenges us to realign our priorities, placing God at the center of our lives. By doing so, we place ourselves in a posture to receive God's provision, both spiritual and material, and to live lives characterized by peace rather than anxiety.