Seeking first the Kingdom [basileia] of God (Matt 6:33)

It is the reign of the royal power and authority of Jesus as the triumphant Messiah

• Jesus is not talking about a realm or a society to arrive in, governed by God, like:

    – Camelot, governed by King Arthur

    – Israel, governed by Solomon

    – Avalon, ruled by nine sisters

    – Atlantis, ruled by ten sons of Poseidon

• Jesus is talking about seeking more of and yielding to God’s authority in your own life

• We should become living sacrifices, echoing “not my will, but Yours be done.”

    – “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God” (Rom 12:1)

    – “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” (Lk 9:23)

    – “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” (Matt 26:39)

    – “because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.” (Jn 5:30)

    – “Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven.” (Matt 7:21)

• I delight to do Your will, O my God, And Your law is within my heart.” (Ps 40:8)