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Prepare the way: Benjamin
Sermon Summary
In today's sermon, we learn from Ben that kingdom people prioritise knowing the heart of God through prayer and love, and they live out kingdom culture by aligning their lives with God's will, focusing on obedience rather than results, and being a light in the world.
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In today's reflection, we explore the concept of being a "man on a mission," drawing parallels between the determination of a character in a heist movie and Jesus' resolute journey towards Jerusalem. This journey marks a pivotal moment in Jesus' ministry, where he shifts focus from performing miracles to teaching about the kingdom of God and what it means to be a citizen of this kingdom. The essence of kingdom culture is not just about doing things for God but being with God, seeking His heart, and living out His values in our daily lives.
We delved into the story of Mary and Martha, highlighting the importance of prioritising presence with Jesus over the busyness of tasks. Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet, embodying the kingdom value of seeking God's heart above all else. This is a countercultural stance, especially in a world that equates value with productivity. Jesus' teachings on prayer further emphasise this point, encouraging us to engage in a two-way relationship with God, where we not only present our concerns but also listen for His voice.
The narrative also challenges us to examine our adherence to religious laws versus understanding the heart behind them. The Pharisees' focus on legalism often overshadowed the core of God's desire for love and humility. Jesus' interactions with them reveal that true kingdom living is about aligning our lives with God's will, which He describes as entering through the "narrow door."
Moreover, we discuss the importance of living out kingdom culture through acts of love, generosity, and repentance. The parable of the Good Samaritan serves as a powerful reminder that kingdom people are called to love beyond cultural and religious expectations. Repentance is crucial in this journey, as it involves turning away from worldly lies and aligning with God's truth.
Finally, we touch on the kingdom perspective on material possessions, where reliance on God's provision replaces the pursuit of wealth. Jesus teaches that our focus should be on seeking His kingdom, trusting that God will provide for our needs. This perspective challenges the consumer-driven culture that equates happiness with material abundance.
As we strive to be kingdom people, we must continually ask ourselves if our lives reflect the culture of God's kingdom or the world around us. This introspection is vital for being a light in the dark places of this world.
Key Takeaways
1. Presence Over Productivity: In the story of Mary and Martha, we learn that being with Jesus is more important than doing for Jesus. This challenges the cultural norm that equates value with productivity, reminding us that our worth is found in our relationship with God, not in our accomplishments.
2. Prayer as a Two-Way Street: Jesus teaches that prayer is not just about presenting our requests but also about listening to God. This two-way communication is essential for knowing God's heart and aligning our lives with His will, emphasising the importance of intentional time spent in His presence.
3. Beyond Legalism: The Pharisees' focus on the law often missed the heart of God, which is love and humility. Jesus' interactions with them reveal that true kingdom living involves understanding the intent behind God's commands and prioritising love over legalism.
4. Living Out Kingdom Culture: The parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates that kingdom people are called to love beyond cultural and religious boundaries. This involves being open to interruptions and opportunities to show love and generosity, even to those we might consider enemies.
5. Trusting in God's Provision: Jesus teaches that kingdom people rely on God's provision rather than their own wealth. This challenges the consumer-driven culture that equates happiness with material abundance, reminding us that true contentment comes from seeking God's kingdom first.
Daily Hope Devotionals
Day 1: Presence Over Productivity
Scripture:
Luke 10:41-42
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.”
Luke 10:41-42 NIV - “Martha, Martha,” the Lord - Bible Gateway
Devotional:
In a world that often equates value with productivity, the story of Mary and Martha offers a countercultural lesson. Mary chose to sit at Jesus' feet, prioritising presence with Him over the busyness of tasks. This choice reflects the kingdom value of seeking God's heart above all else. It challenges us to find our worth not in our accomplishments but in our relationship with God. By being with Jesus, we align ourselves with His values and learn to live out His kingdom culture in our daily lives.
Reflection:
What is one task or activity you can set aside today to spend intentional time in the presence of Jesus, seeking His heart and listening to His voice?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I come before You, acknowledging the busyness of my life. Help me to prioritise being present with You over the endless tasks that pull me away. Just as Jesus reminded Martha, may I choose the better part like Mary, seeking Your heart above all else. Teach me to find peace in Your presence, knowing that my worth is not in what I do, but in who I am in You. Amen
Day 2 BONUS: Good Friday devotional: Forgiveness on the Cross
Scripture:
Luke 23:34
'Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots. '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
Roman Soldiers were gambling to see who would get Jesus' clothes, while He was dying on the cross, where they had put Him! The soldiers didn't even respect Jesus enough to wait until He had died to claim His possessions.
Despite all that, Jesus asks His Father to forgive them. He has compassion for them because He knows that they have no understanding of what they are doing - that they are killing the Son of God. Nor did they likely value life the way we do, so they would have felt justified in killing people for their crimes.
Jesus was perfect (that's why He is the spotless lamb who died for us all!) and here He is showing us how He expects us to forgive - freely, openly, without hesitation, regardless of how the other person may have wronged us or their attitude about what they have done. He forgave those who tortured and killed him!
For more on how forgiving Jesus is and how He expects us to forgive see Matthew 18:21-35.
Reflection:
Who do you need to forgive today? What might be holding you back from forgiving?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your example of how to forgive. I pray that You would open my eyes to any unforgiveness I may have in my heart so that I can forgive. Sometimes it's hard for me to let go of the hurt that I have from what others have done, please heal my heart and open my mind to forgiveness. Lord may there be nothing between You and me. Amen.
Day 2: Prayer is a Two-Way Street
Scripture:
1 Samuel 3:10
The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!” Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”
1 Samuel 3:10 NIV - The LORD came and stood there, calling - Bible Gateway
Devotional:
Prayer is more than presenting our requests to God; it is a two-way communication that involves listening to Him. Jesus teaches that knowing God's heart and aligning our lives with His will requires intentional time spent in His presence. This practice of listening in prayer helps us understand God's desires and guides us in living according to His kingdom values. By engaging in this two-way relationship, we deepen our connection with God and grow in our spiritual journey
Reflection:
During your prayer time today, take a moment to pause and listen. What might God be speaking to you about your life and His desires for you?
Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the gift of prayer, a beautiful conversation with You. Help me to remember that prayer is not just about bringing my requests, but also about listening for Your voice. May I create space in my heart to hear You speak, guiding me in my life. Teach me to worry in Your direction, bringing my burdens to You, and trusting that You will respond. Amen.
Day 3: Beyond Legalism
Scripture:
Luke 11:42
' “What sorrow awaits you Pharisees! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore justice and the love of God. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.'https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
The Pharisees often focused on the law, missing the heart of God, which is love and humility. Jesus' interactions with them reveal that true kingdom living involves understanding the intent behind God's commands and prioritising love over legalism. This challenges us to examine our adherence to religious laws and traditions, ensuring that our actions reflect God's love and humility. By aligning our lives with God's will, we enter through the "narrow door" of kingdom living.
Reflection:
Consider a religious practice or tradition you follow. How can you ensure that your observance of it reflects God's love and humility rather than mere legalism?
Prayer:
Gracious God, I ask for Your forgiveness for the times I have focused more on rules than on love. Help me to see Your heart behind the law and to be somebody who embodies love and compassion. May I not get caught up in the details but instead live out Your kingdom culture, showing kindness to all, especially those who are marginalised. Let my actions reflect Your love, not my adherence to rules. Amen.
Day 4 BONUS: Easter Sunday devotional: The Light of the Good News of Salvation
Scripture:
John 20:24-29
'One of the twelve disciples, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), was not with the others when Jesus came. They told him, “We have seen the Lord!” But he replied, “I won’t believe it unless I see the nail wounds in his hands, put my fingers into them, and place my hand into the wound in his side.” Eight days later the disciples were together again, and this time Thomas was with them. The doors were locked; but suddenly, as before, Jesus was standing among them. “Peace be with you,” he said. Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here, and look at my hands. Put your hand into the wound in my side. Don’t be faithless any longer. Believe!” “My Lord and my God!” Thomas exclaimed. Then Jesus told him, “You believe because you have seen me. Blessed are those who believe without seeing me.” '
https://www.bible.com/bible/11...
Devotional:
Poor (doubting) Thomas often gets a bad wrap for not believing the other disciples that Jesus had risen. Jesus met him where he was though and provided all he needed to be able to have faith. Jesus gave him faith in the Light of the Good News of Salvation.
How dramatic was Thomas' reaction! Exclaiming that Jesus is 'My Lord and My God!'
When we proclaim Jesus as Lord and God of our lives, we invite His light to shine in and through us. Jesus proclaims that we are blessed because we believe without seeing Him!
Reflection:
How has Jesus' Light of Salvation changed your life?
In what ways has He brought you blessings?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for revealing Yourself to me so that I can call You my Lord and my God! Thank You for dying on the cross for my salvation. I praise You for the blessings that You have brought into my life and the path that You have laid before me. May You be glorified in all I do. Amen.
Day 4: Living Out Kingdom Culture
Scripture:
James 2:8
If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbour as yourself,” you are doing right.
James 2:8 NIV - If you really keep the royal law found - Bible Gateway
Devotional:
The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37) illustrates that kingdom people are called to love beyond cultural and religious boundaries. This involves being open to interruptions and opportunities to show love and generosity, even to those we might consider enemies. By living out kingdom culture, we demonstrate God's love in tangible ways, breaking down barriers and building bridges of compassion and understanding. This call to love challenges us to step outside our comfort zones and embrace the radical love of God's kingdom
Reflection:
Think of someone you find difficult to love. How can you show them an act of kindness or generosity today that reflects the love of God's kingdom?
Prayer:
Father, I thank You for calling me to be Your hands and feet in this world. Help me to live out Your kingdom culture by loving my neighbours, even those I find difficult to love. May I be willing to be interrupted by opportunities to show kindness and generosity. Teach me to obey Your commands, trusting that the blessing lies in my obedience, not in the results. Amen
Day 5: Trusting in God’s Provision
Scripture:
Matthew 6:31-33
So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:31 -33 NIV - So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall - Bible Gateway
Devotional:
Jesus teaches that kingdom people rely on God's provision rather than their own wealth. This perspective challenges the consumer-driven culture that equates happiness with material abundance. By seeking God's kingdom first, we trust that He will provide for our needs, finding true contentment in His provision. This trust in God frees us from the pursuit of wealth and allows us to focus on living out His kingdom values in our daily lives
Reflection:
Reflect on an area of your life where you are relying on material wealth for security. How can you shift your focus to trust in God's provision and seek His kingdom first?
Prayer
Lord, I acknowledge that You are my provider. Help me to trust in Your provision rather than my own resources. May I seek Your kingdom first, knowing that You will take care of my needs. Free me from the worries of this world and the desire for more. Teach me to live with open hands, sharing what I have, and trusting that You will provide abundantly. Amen
Day 6: Seeking God’s Kingdom
Scripture:
Luke 12:31-32
But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.
Luke 12:31-32 NIV - But seek his kingdom, and these things - Bible Gateway
Devotional:
As we reflect on the teachings of Jesus, we are reminded of the importance of seeking the heart of God. In the story of Mary and Martha, we see two different approaches to being with Jesus. Martha is busy with tasks, while Mary chooses to sit at Jesus' feet, soaking in His presence. Jesus gently reminds Martha that amidst all her worries, only one thing is needed: to be present with Him. This is a powerful lesson for us today. How often do we find ourselves caught up in the busyness of life, forgetting to simply be with Jesus?
Reflection:
How can you actively seek God’s kingdom in your daily life? What steps can you take to align your actions with His will and demonstrate His love to those around you?
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank you for the gift of your kingdom. Help me to seek your ways and live out your culture in my life. May my actions reflect your love and grace, and may I trust in your provision as I walk in obedience to you. Amen.
Day 7: The Power of Forgiveness
Scripture:
Ephesians 4:32
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
Ephesians 4:32 NIV - Be kind and compassionate to one - Bible Gateway
Devotional:
Forgiveness is a powerful act that can transform not only our relationships but also our hearts. In a world that often encourages us to hold onto grudges and resentment, Jesus calls us to a different standard. Just as He forgave us, we are invited to extend that same grace to others. This can be challenging, especially when we feel wronged or hurt. However, holding onto bitterness only weighs us down and keeps us from experiencing the fullness of life that God desires for us.
Remember, forgiveness is a journey, and it may take time, but with God's help, we can move towards healing and restoration. Let us be kingdom people who embody the culture of forgiveness, shining His light in dark places.
Reflection:
Take a moment to reflect on any grudges or unresolved conflicts in your life. Ask God to help you extend forgiveness to those who have hurt you.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible gift of forgiveness that You have shown me through Your Son, Jesus. Help me to be kind and compassionate to those around me, even when it is difficult. Teach me to forgive as You have forgiven me, releasing any bitterness or anger that may be holding me back. May I reflect Your love and grace in my relationships, becoming a vessel of Your peace in a world that desperately needs it. Amen.
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