Disciples share Jesus’ priority
of seeking God’s righteousness
Matthew 6:33
seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things (food, drink, clothes, etc.) will be given to you as well.
What does Jesus mean to seek God’s righteousness? From a human perspective, righteousness in relation to God is right standing with Him. Some people believe that God judges us based on the totality of good versus bad deeds. To practice a “good life” in order to gain God’s favor would be an example of seeking righteousness with God. But that is not what Jesus is telling us to seek. Rather, He is calling us to seek after God’s way of making people right. That comes through faith in God and in His only-begotten Son Jesus as Lord. To seek after that righteousness is to pursue God through Jesus – His ways, His teachings, His Lordship, His call to deny ourselves, to pick our cross, and to follow Him. Seek this first.
Following Jesus as We Come 'n Go
Luke 6:46-49
The Wise and Foolish Builders
46 “Why do you call me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do what I say? 47 As for everyone who comes to me and hears my words and puts them into practice, I will show you what they are like. 48 They are like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid the foundation on rock. When a flood came, the torrent struck that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. 49 But the one who hears my words and does not put them into practice is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. The moment the torrent struck that house, it collapsed and its destruction was complete.”
Pondering Point
These verses parallel Matthew’s Sermon on the Mount conclusion (chapter 7). Both sections call us to put Jesus’ words into practice and are helpful for defining what seeking first the righteousness of God might look like. How can you seek first God's righteousness in your life, for your life? What activities in your daily life compete with this priority of seeking God's righteousness? How can you guard against displacing God as first priority? Who can help guard against this? Pick someone to wrestle over these questions and share thoughts together as you encourage one another. Seriously. Do this!
Prayer for the Day
Father God, I pray that Your Holy Spirit guides me as I cast off anxiety and stop seeking after bodily needs like food and drink, clothing and shelter. I commit to pursue Your righteousness first, choosing to trust that You will provide all that I need. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.