My Kingdom or God's? by Brother Curtis Hansen

         This morning's scripture comes from the book of Matthew. We will start reading at verse 9 to verse 14.

        9 And when he was departed thence, he went into their syagogue;

      10 And, behold, there was a man which had his hand withered. And they asked him, saying, Is it lawful to heal on the sabbath days? that they might accuse him.

      11 And he said unto them, What man shall there be among you, that shall have one sheep, and if it fall into a pit on the sabbath day, will he not lay hold on it, and lift it out?

      12 How much then is a man better than sheep? Wherefore it is lawful to do well on the sabbath days.

      13 Then saith he to the man, Stretch forth thine hand. And he stretched it forth; and it was restored whole, like as the other.

      14 Then the Pharisees went out, and held a council against him, how they might destroy him.

        The scripture we read is about the healing of the man's withered hand in the synagogue. Jesus performed the healing on the man to have a dialogue with the Pharisees about the law afterwards. Jesus could had performed any miracle recorded to have this conversation.

        Jesus used the analogy of a sheep falling into a pit. It is whatever is of value to you, would you not do whatever.

        The pharisees were not concerned with the man's condition. Jesus exposed that they are willing to make exceptions when it benefitted them but argued against a work of God. We are more committed our own kingdoms over God's kingdom. We will follow Jesus as long as the blessings come but will question the surrender and sacrifice.

        What you value determines what you build in this world. The pharisees saw the value of the sheep as the animal was a part of the currency in those times. We are building a kingdom to comfort in this life. Comfort goals and dreams are not bad to aspire towards. When we build to multiply it's for ourselves and not the kingdom of God.

        Let's go to Matthew 6:3.

        3 But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth.

        Monday through Saturday are we building his kingdom first? If someone saw your plans, projects, and ideas on your calendar, would they see kingdom minded?

        Jesus didn't come to advance your agenda but to save your soul. Our acceptance of Jesus is limited to merely benefitting us. Many approach God as an opportunity rather than a savior. Jesus didn't come to improve your circumstances. Look at what Jesus spoke in chapter 16 verse 24.

        24 Then Jesus said unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

        The cross was not about convenience it was about surrender. It's convenient to say all my sins are ailed to the cross and I can live however. The crowds wanted Jesus with what he could provide but when he wasn't overthrowing Rome or establishing the kingdom, the crowd called for Barabbas. Jesus wants followers to accept his lordship.

        You need to apply your faith with intent. Would you follow Jesus if you knew it was going to cost you something? Jesus is not a tool you can use a few times and set down.

        Everything God calls you to do, you will face some resistance to it. Your flesh will be the first opponent, After Jesus healed the withered hand, he was met with resistance. Abraham faced resistance before he had a son. Jacob faced resistance to build his reputation over the course of 20 years. Moses faced resistance against Pharoah. Nehemiah faced resistance when rebuilding to wall of Jerusalem. The enemy will resist anything that builds God's kingdom. Resistance is confirmation of obedience in your walk.

        The closing this morning are these questions to ask yourself over the week. What am I building? Why am I following Jesus? Is it for the benefits or because he's, my savior? How do I act when I am met with resistance? If God never gave you another thing, would you still give him your obedience?