DAY 12, Pt 3: THE BENEFIT OF LIGHT-GOD's Light As Love

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This is where many people think the concept of Light begins. However, by this time, Light has already redeemed Creation and now GOD is working on another “container” that will satisfy the claims of divine justice and redeem mankind.  

In Genesis 3, GOD promised mankind redemption in the SEED of the woman, see Genesis 3:15. We know that SEED came in the “container” of a baby BOY – who grew up to be a MAN, specifically, the SON of MAN.

“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and give birth to a son, and they shall call His name ‘Immanuel,’ which means ‘God with us.’” Matthew 1:23

It was the Love of GOD that caused HIM to do this – to release a substitute for us, such that we would not have to pay for our rebellion by ourselves. It was the Love that GOD has for mankind which caused HIM to institute the law of substitution from the Garden, when HE covered Adam and his wife, Eve, with the skin of an animal, see Genesis 3:21. That animal died on behalf of Adam and his wife. It was from here that mankind and creation began to expect the LAMB of GOD who would take away the sins of the entire world, once and for all.  

“The next day, John sees Yeshua coming to him and says, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!’” John 1:29

Notice the prophet John didn’t say the ONE who would take away the sins of mankind, but rather the sins of the entire world – creation and mankind. Why? Because Creation was put under the authority of man. When Adam fell, Creation fell with him. So, this is the second time poor Creation needs redeeming! 

When satan deceived Eve and tempted Adam, he was not counting on the fact that GOD would love both Creation and mankind. He was expecting to gain back his place of the only authority on earth. He thought GOD was going to throw us out. But that defeated foe didn’t count on GOD giving us a path for redemption through substitution.  

KING JESUS came as the complete package in the container of man such that HE could redeem both mankind and Creation.  

Now that we understand the origin of Light, let’s see how that applies to us little-CHRIST’s, aka Followers of the WAY, aka CHRISTians. John 1:1-5 now has a deeper meaning.   

“In the beginning was the Word. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 All things were made through Him, and apart from Him nothing was made that has come into being. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overpowered it.” John 1:1-5
 

The Light that is the life of men releases so much to us. The Light that KING JESUS gives us releases us from darkness (the control of satan) into the GOD life. The GOD life looks like: 

• Right standing with ELOHIM – FATHER, SON, HOLY SPIRIT, with nothing satan can do about it. The devil no longer has legal rights over us to bring the products of darkness, chaos and waste – wasted life and resources. 
• Authority over Nature. Now it makes perfect sense when KING JESUS cursed the fig tree, and it withered. Then HE said something shocking, HE said if you and I believe, the very thing HE did to the tree, we can do also, see Mark 11:12-25.  
• Power to command Nature to change. That is why Elijah, Elisha, Moses, and Joshua healed and parted the seas and rivers, and KING JESUS and Peter simply walked on water.  
• Power over all the works of the devil because, well, Light, which is now our natural Life, put darkness in its place. Notice, during the time of the Law and the Prophets, mankind had power – dominion over Creation. The prophets turned water into blood, caused animals to invade Pharaoh’s palace, caused metal ax heads to float, purified water by sprinkling salt into it, stopped and started rain, caused live births, and deaths, healed sicknesses, etc. But when the complete package came – the SON of MAN, KING JESUS CHRIST, the authority to destroy the works of the devil came with it. Meaning, we were now able to cast out devils.  

The benefit of the KINGDOM and its Righteousness as manifested in Light, is the access to the lifestyle, the life that is contained inside KING JESUS CHRIST. Everything HE did is now ours to grow into and do.  

What does KING JESUS CHRIST’s manifested Light look like in our everyday lives? 

• Revealing truth, wisdom, revelation, and understanding of GOD’s will and purpose for our lives. It is the Light of GOD that gives us access to the Mind of CHRIST, so we think like GOD, see 1 Corinthians 2:16.
• Illuminating our path in life, as HE is the Way, Truth, and Life – showing us when to walk, run, hide, shout, stay silent, fight, and make peace, see Psalm 119:105 and John 14:6.
• Choosing whom we will spend the rest of our lives with (i.e. marriage), determining our relationships (i.e. friends, business partners, fellowships), deciding where we will worship, etc., and much more, see 2 Corinthians 6:14. 
• Ensuring that we live in victory and the chaos and waste that darkness brings will not be our portion, see John 8:12.
• Defining our lifestyle, see Ephesians 5:8 and Matthew 5:14.

After all of this, ask yourself if you are living according to the standards of Light. Where are we falling short? Those in ancient times, in the Early Church, understood these things. They lived these things, and because of this, their convictions were so strong they could withstand persecution. They could allow their children to be eaten by lions in Roman Colosseums. They could wait in the bushes for pagan women to give birth and abandon their unwanted babies to the wild beasts…then the CHRISTian women would rescue the babies and care for them as their own.  

They understood Light.  

Prayer: 

LORD, please restore the ancient ways to us. Restore us back to what the Early Church knew, such that we can operate and demonstrate YOUR Light to a world full of darkness. In JESUS’ Name. Amen and amen.

When GOD (ELOHIM), FATHER, SON, and HOLY SPIRIT went into action to reorder the earth, THEY first had to remove the covering of darkness.

“Then God said, ‘Let there be light!’ and there was light.” Genesis 1:3 TLV

GOD manifested HIMSELF as Light. GOD is not Light. Notice, that Light was created by speaking into the hovering of the HOLY SPIRIT. So, the HOLY SPIRIT was hovering over the darkness, waiting for the FATHER to release the SON, who is the WORD of GOD. Creation needed redemption. We see throughout Scripture that the work of redemption is decided by the FATHER. The FATHER sends the HOLY SPIRIT to prepare the environment / vessel. The FATHER then sends the SON. The revelation of the SON who is the spoken WORD of GOD, aka KING JESUS CHRIST, to Creation, was Light.  

Where have we seen this process before? In the redemption of mankind.  

The FATHER spoke or sent the SON. But how did HE do that? The HOLY SPIRIT overshadowed Mary. Let’s look at Scripture.  

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through Him. 18 The one who believes in Him is not condemned; but whoever does not believe has been condemned already, because he has not put his trust in the name of the one and only Ben-Elohim.” John 3:16-18

For the FATHER so loved the world that HE gave – HE spoke – KING JESUS into the world. The manifestation of the WORD of GOD to humanity came in the container of a man, KING JESUS CHRIST. Because this “container” contained the WORD of GOD, the “container” is called the SON of MAN. The “container” that redemption came in for Creation (Nature) was Light.

How did the SON of MAN come about?  

“And responding, the angel said to her, ‘The Ruach ha-Kodesh will come upon you, and the power of Elyon will overshadow you. Therefore, the Holy One being born will be called Ben-Elohim.’” Luke 1:35 TLV

See the same pattern. The HOLY SPIRIT overshadowed Mary just like it overshadowed Creation. The HOLY SPIRIT, the carrier of the Power of GOD, came upon Mary just like it hovered over the face of the deep. But until the WORD came forth, there was no Light to drive away the darkness.

Mind blowing! So, ELOHIM didn’t just redeem mankind through KING JESUS, HE redeemed Creation as well. The only difference is Creation needed KING JESUS manifested as Light, and we needed KING JESUS manifested as MAN.  

When Light redeemed Creation, it immediately started putting things into order. Order required darkness to be put in check – not destroyed. Again, where have we seen this before? In Matthew 13:24-31. In this parable, KING JESUS is telling us how HIS FATHER operates. The wheat and the tares are allowed to grow together until the time set for judgment. When the time of judgment comes, the wheat will be gathered into HIS barn, while the tares will be bundled up and burned. Remember the place called “hell?” What’s in there? Fire.  

“Then He will also say to those on the left, ‘Go away from Me, you cursed ones, into the everlasting fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels.” Matthew 25:41

Now, we have the concept of night and day, all without the sun, moon, or stars being created. Order separates the waters and causes dry ground (land) to appear. Then Order goes further. Remember how KING JESUS said in 1 John 3:8, that HE has come to destroy the works of the devil? In some translations, it says darkness. Why? Because HE is the Light that brings Order to Creation by recreating everything on earth as it is in Heaven. Remember Matthew 6:9-10, then look at Genesis 1:11. What do you see? 

“Therefore, pray in this way: ‘Our Father in heaven, sanctified be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.’” Matthew 6:9-10

“Then God said, ‘Let the land sprout grass, green plants yielding seed, fruit trees making fruit, each according to its species with seed in it, upon the land.’” Genesis 1:11

When Light comes in, it creates Order. But Order is not random. It has a blueprint. The blueprint created on earth what is already created in Heaven. Order restored Creation (Nature) back to the blueprint of Heaven.

Once ELOHIM was done re-creating earth, removing chaos and waste, and replanting HIS Garden, Eden, HE decided to do something special. Remember, Ezekiel 28 told us that Lucifer, now satan, was living in Eden. GOD has now put satan in check – darkness can only operate in the night.

Now, GOD created a replica of HIMSELF to defend Order.

“Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness! Let them rule over the fish of the sea, over the flying creatures of the sky, over the livestock, over the whole earth, and over every crawling creature that crawls on the land.’ 27 God created humankind in His image, in the image of God He created him, male and female He created them. 28 God blessed them and God said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, fill the land, and conquer it. Rule over the fish of the sea, the flying creatures of the sky, and over every animal that crawls on the land.’” Genesis 1:26-28

Order needed to be defended from the chaos and waste found in darkness. That was man’s job. To do this job, man had to have dominion, to be able to defend Order from all threats. So that man could live on the earth, and take care of it, GOD took the dust of the earth (ground) and formed a casing – a human body – then put the spirit of man inside of the earth casing. Once the human spirit and the earth casing met, they produced a living being, aka living soul.  

“Then Adonai Elohim formed the man out of the dust from the ground, and He breathed into his nostrils a breath of life—so the man became a living being. 8 Then Adonai Elohim planted a garden in Eden in the east, and there He put the man whom He had formed.” Genesis 2:7-8

But the one who was already living in Eden didn’t like being replaced. Hence, rebellion – disobedience – and the judgment of death (eternal separation from GOD) entered the world, see Genesis 3 and 4.  

Now the one who was created to care for and defend the earth needed redemption as well.

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.  2 Now the earth was chaos and waste, darkness was on the surface of the deep, and the Ruach Elohim was hovering upon the surface of the water. 3 Then God said, ‘Let there be light!’ and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good. So God distinguished the light from the darkness. 5God called the light ‘day,’ and the darkness He called ‘night.’ So there was evening and there was morning—one day.” Genesis 1:1-5

To understand Light from the perspective of the KINGDOM, we must go to the very beginning as it was revealed to us. There is so much to unpack about Light; however, I will give a general overview in this devotional in the hope that it will spur further study. Light is not just the life of mankind (John 1:4-5); it is also the Light of the reordering of the entire ecosystem GOD made available to contain physical life. Like Time, Light is a container.

• To Creation, it is the container, manifestation, and expression of Order.
• To human beings, it is the container, manifestation, and expression of GOD’s Love.
• To satan and his fallen angels, it is the container, manifestation, and expression of Judgment.

So, let’s break this down in just three contexts – the absence of Light, aka Darkness – for Judgment, Light for Order, of course Light for Love.

DARKNESS, THE ABSENCE OF LIGHT, FOR JUDGMENT

Notice in Genesis 1:1-5, evening and morning were created before the sun, moon, and stars, Genesis 1:14-19. In fact, vegetation – trees, grass, fruits and vegetables, are more ancient than the sun, moon, and stars. So, when we talk about Light in the KINGDOM, it must encompass everything.  Light spoken by GOD dispelled the substance, the entity, darkness. The definition of earth was chaos and waste; overtop of that chaos and waste was darkness. It was a living thing that covered the earth, meaning, within darkness, chaos and waste flourish freely. But where did this darkness come from? Why was it on the earth? I encourage everyone to read these Scriptures: Isaiah 14:12; Revelation 12:7-14; Ezekiel 28. For the sake of time, I include only short excerpts and a summary.

“How you have fallen from heaven, O brighstar, son of the dawn! How you are cut down to the earth, you who made the nations prostrate!” Isaiah 14:12 TLV

In other translations, “Brightstar” is translated as “shining one,” “Day Star,” “Lucifer,” “light bearer.” In Ezekiel 28, where the LORD causes the prophet to pronounce judgment first against the prince of Tyre and then against the king of Tyre – they are not the same. The prince is the human manifestation of the power behind him, the king of Tyre, the ancient spirit of the fallen Brightstar, satan. Notice, the pronouncements are the same regarding trade etc. – human manifestations. But there is more. The pronouncements go into the spirit realm – the stones of fire, the precious stones that cover the king of Tyre, the holy mountain of GOD where this king visited and served, the king’s access to the wisdom of GOD; and then something happened. Iniquity was found inside the king of Tyre, aka Lucifer, aka light bearer, aka Day Star. It also says something very interesting – the light bearer was already in Eden, the Garden of GOD. Meaning, Adam was not the first resident of Eden.

The judgment against the king of Tyre, against the fallen light bearer who we now call satan, was to be thrown out of Heaven, down to the earth and the seas. Notice, the prince of Tyre wanted to be known as the god of the seas (Ezekiel 28:1-2). Revelation 12:12 even says:

“Woe to the earth and the sea, for the devil has come down to you with great rage, knowing that his time is short.” Revelation 12:12 TLV

When people read this Scripture, they think this has something to do with human beings. No, the earth and the seas suffered because satan was now covering them, ruling over them.  The earth and the waters were filled with chaos and waste! They were covered by darkness and needed Light! Creation was crying out for Order!  

As we will learn when we look at Light manifested as Order, we will see that, absent from the PRESENCE of GOD, there is no Light. Therefore, satan’s natural state after he was kicked out from the PRESENCE of the ONE who gives Light, was and still is, darkness. Hence, today, he can only mimic light to those who do not test the spirits.  

“For such men are false emissaries, deceitful workers masquerading as Messiah’s emissaries. 14 And no wonder, for even satan masquerades as an angel of light. 15It is no great thing therefore if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be according to their deeds.” 2 Corinthians 11:13-15

Study tip: Another interesting correlation can be found between the breastplate of judgment containing the 12 stones (see Exodus 28:15-19) worn by the high priest of Israel, and the stones that were on Lucifer’s body. Could it be that the access Lucifer lost when he fell and became satan, was what ELOHIM gave to the high priest of Israel? Could it be that this is also the breastplate of righteousness (see Ephesians 6:14) which the sacrifice of KING JESUS CHRIST makes available by the HOLY SPIRIT for you and I to wear in the spirit realm, ready for the day and hour of battle? Pause and meditate on that. Also, notice that stones corresponded to wisdom and judgments. Research this, and then see why stones are used for altars, divinations, exerting executions (stoning), and worn around necks after being “washed” or dedicated to spirits. The depths of GOD are deep. May we be hungry for more, amen.  

Have you ever wondered how the poet — the shepherd boy turned king — could boldly declare the following?

“I have never seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread.” Psalm 37:25

Have you ever reflected on why JESUS told us not to worry about tomorrow, reminding us that our Heavenly FATHER already knows what we need (see Matthew 6:25-34)? And what about this declaration from the LORD HIMSELF?

“If I were hungry, I would not tell thee: for the world is mine, and the fullness thereof.” Psalm 50:12

What do all of these reassuring verses tell us? That our GOD – our Heavenly FATHER, our MAKER – is faithful to supply every need. One of the greatest benefits of being a child of the KING of kings and LORD of lords is that we are well cared for. GOD sees every need, knows every desire, and provides not only what we ask for, but what HE knows is best for us.

“And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19

Throughout Scripture, we see countless examples of GOD providing – supernaturally, miraculously, and always on time:

• HE parted the Red Sea through Moses – just in time!
• HE fed a widow and her son through Elijah when they faced starvation.
• HE provided a ram in the thicket for Abraham’s sacrifice.
• HE gave water and hope to Hagar in the wilderness.
• HE provided shade for Jonah, even after his disobedience.
• HE clothed Adam and Eve after their fall – a tender act of love, even in discipline.

Provision is in HIS nature. It is who HE is.

A Personal Testimony of GOD’s Provision

During the COVID shutdown, my husband and I came to know firsthand how faithful GOD is. Like Israel in Goshen during the plagues, we were preserved. Both of us work in healthcare, and while the world seemed to stand still, we continued to work – even prosper. Our health was strong, our children were safe, and GOD’s blessings overflowed. I even started a business during that season, and it thrived – all by HIS grace.

Then suddenly, everything shifted. Health challenges arose, and my beloved father – my earthly rock and safety net – was called home to be with the LORD. At his funeral, as I looked at his casket, I remember whispering through tears, “Now that Dad is gone, how will Mom and I survive?”

And at that very moment, GOD’s gentle voice whispered in my ear: “I am here.”

The same I AM who provided for Moses and Israel, the same JEHOVAH JIREH who provided in times of plenty, was there with me in my grief. HE provided peace, strength, and comfort — HIS providence did not fail. Even our church, just two months before my father’s passing, had been studying a sermon series titled “GOD’s Providential Care.” It was as if the HOLY SPIRIT was preparing us in advance, reminding us that even when storms come – GOD still provides.

Reflecting on HIS Faithfulness

In times of uncertainty, hold fast to GOD’s WORD: “The righteous will never be forsaken.” Psalm 37:25

In times of sickness, remember: “Healing is the children’s bread.” Matthew 15:26

And even while you wait on healing, know this – HE provides strength to endure.

Take a moment and reflect: Do you have food, shelter, and clothing? Has GOD met your needs, even if not all your wants? Even in disobedience, even before you came to faith – did HE still provide? Yes! Because HE causes the sun to shine and the rain to fall on the just and the unjust (see Matthew 5:45). 

HE provides for all HIS creation — the birds of the air, the flowers of the field, and HIS children most of all.

JEHOVAH JIREH – The LORD Will Provide

Provision is not just what GOD does – it’s Who HE is. HE is JEHOVAH JIREH, our Provider.

We are never abandoned. Never forgotten. Never ignored. HIS provision may not always look the way we expect, but we can rest assured – HE will provide.

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Therefore, do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” Matthew 6:33–34

Reflection Questions

1. When has GOD provided for you in an unexpected way?
2. How can you rest more fully in HIS promise to provide?
3. What step can you take today to seek HIS KINGDOM first, trusting that HE      will add “all these things” to you?

From an economic standpoint, “wealth” is defined as assets minus liabilities. But from a Biblical lens, wealth is not just about what you have — it’s about what you can give. It’s not mere accumulation; it’s contentment, generosity, and faithful stewardship.

When I first began writing this, I planned to explore the familiar passage:

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:33

But as I reflected on recent events in my life, the HOLY SPIRIT whispered: “Talk about ME.”

“After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, ‘Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.’” Genesis 15:1 NKJV

That definition of wealth—assets minus liabilities—becomes fascinating when you plug the HOLY SPIRIT into the equation. When the SPIRIT of GOD is your “asset,” every liability becomes insignificant. That’s KINGDOM math—exceedingly great reward.

The difference between worldly wealth and KINGDOM wealth is simple: worldly wealth can purchase comfort, albeit temporary, but KINGDOM wealth grants access to a permanent source of comfort while also imparting authority. A man may build wealth through wise investments and success, yet still live tormented by the elemental forces of this world that afflict the mind and body. But KINGDOM wealth is a function of the HOLY SPIRIT. In this context, we must examine wealth in its different dimensions—emotional, financial, relational, and even spiritual.

Emotional and Mental Wealth

“God is greater than our feelings.” 1 John 3:20 NLT

This is profound because GOD created us with emotions. Even GOD HIMSELF experiences emotion — grief, compassion, joy, sorrow (see Genesis 6:6, Lamentations 3:22). But unlike us, HIS emotions are never misaligned with HIS nature. When we experience pain or grief, our natural instinct is to seek comfort — often through temporary means: substances, pleasure, distractions, or indulgence. Yet none of these provide lasting peace.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7 NKJV

This peace comes through the indwelling HOLY SPIRIT. The world teaches us to look outwardly for relief from inward struggles. But as believers, we look upwardly, knowing the solution already dwells within us.

Financial Wealth

“And you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant which He swore to your fathers.” Deuteronomy 8:18 NKJV

Financial wealth in the KINGDOM is not measured by possessions but by partnership — a covenant relationship in which GOD empowers us to create wealth for HIS purposes, not our own.

“The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it.” Proverbs 10:22 NKJV

The New International Version translates this as, “without painful toil.” In other words, GOD’s kind of wealth doesn’t come with anxiety, exhaustion, or endless striving.

“…Unless Adonai builds the house, the builders labor in vain. Unless Adonai watches over the city, the watchman stands guard in vain. 2 In vain you rise up early and stay up late, eating the bread of toil—for He provides for His beloved ones even in their sleep.” Psalm 127:1-2 TLV

When GOD gives wealth, it’s not just provision — it’s peace. It’s wealth that serves HIS covenant and HIS people.

“Now the whole group of those who believed was one in heart and mind. No one would say anything he owned was his own, but they had everything in common.” Acts 4:32 TLV

KINGDOM wealth isn’t motivated by greed or status — it acknowledges the Source, serves others, and flows from rest rather than anxiety. That is true wealth. One that extends past oneself. 

Relational Wealth

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all people.” Romans 12:18

At first, this might not sound like wealth. But relational wealth is freedom — freedom from bitterness, resentment, and the poverty of unforgiveness.

“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5:44

When JESUS calls us to love our enemies, HE’s not asking us to ignore pain — HE’s inviting us into liberation.The one who forgives is richer than the one who clings to resentment. Relational wealth, therefore, is the ability to remain in love — unconditional, unwavering, SPIRIT-led love.

Any posture that deviates from love is spiritual poverty; to express love through the HOLY SPIRIT is to walk in KINGDOM wealth. And though Scripture encourages us to strive toward living peaceably with all, the measure of our love is not determined by the success or failure of that pursuit. Love remains our posture, even when peace is not reciprocated. That is true wealth. A life that continues to be unconditionally available to pour out love.

Conclusion

True wealth is not found in possessions but in Presence — the Presence of the HOLY SPIRIT. Emotional peace, financial provision, and relational harmony all flow from one Source: seeking first the KINGDOM of GOD and HIS righteousness. When we do, “all these things” are not merely added — they overflow. As we seek the KINGDOM, we find out that true wealth isn’t something we own, but rather SOMEONE we know. 

What is the difference between authority and power? I have found that both words are very close cousins and are often mistaken for each other.

Power is a person’s capacity or ability to exert their will over someone, something, or a situation. Authority is the formal and often legal right that a person holds to make decisions and give commands to others.

According to these definitions, the biggest difference between the words is the term “legal.” If you remember, time and time again, when JESUS was teaching or doing miracles, HE was asked by whose authority HE was doing all that HE did.

“Then they came again to Jerusalem. And as He was walking in the temple, the chief priests, the scribes, and the elders came to Him. 28 And they said to Him, ‘By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority to do these things?’” Mark 11:27-28

JESUS was exhibiting an extension of HIS authority in Heaven here on earth. HE was practicing what HE commanded the disciples to do. The people had never seen or heard such authority before; meanwhile, having authority over demons and sickness was a piece of cake to our LORD.

“And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:19

As you see here, JESUS is telling you and me that we also have an extension of the authority JESUS exercised in Heaven. We are an extension of the KINGDOM/Government of GOD on earth. Because JESUS has given us the legal rights, whatever we bind and loose on earth is reciprocated in Heaven.

“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne. Unfailing love and truth walk before you as attendants.” Psalms 89:14

“You caused judgment to be heard from heaven; the earth feared and was still, 9 When God arose to judgment, to deliver all the oppressed of the earth.” Psalms 76:8-9

We are to establish the laws and decrees made in Heaven here on earth. Heaven is waiting on us to exercise our authority. The LORD needs a vessel to declare HIS decrees and set the captive free.

“Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness! Let them rule over the fish of the sea, over the flying creatures of the sky, over the livestock, over the whole earth, and over every crawling creature that crawls on the land.’” Genesis 1:26

This verse in Genesis has been sort of a routine to read, until I noticed the word “rule.” I know, I know you are familiar with the verse…but look again! How many of us in the church are ruling? We lost this authority when Adam and Eve sinned. JESUS came back to restore the authority into our hands.

“Then the kingdom and dominion, And the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High. His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey Him.” Daniel 7:27

Even as I read the verse from the book of Daniel, I question myself. Do I live each day as someone who actually has authority? Once JESUS died and rose, HE handed that dominion here on earth back to us. The Church is to rule in the marketplace; remember, we are an extension of the KINGDOM of GOD here on earth.

Prayer: LORD JESUS, open our eyes to see where we are lacking. Help us not to be satisfied with the mundane. We refute the lies of the enemy that say we are not good enough. We step into our legal roles as the extension of YOUR authority here on earth. Amen.

The lying spirit operating through religion has blinded our spiritual and physical senses, so we do not operate in the Power of GOD given to us.  

“But you will receive power when the Ruach ha-Kodesh has come upon you; and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and through all Judah, and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Acts 1:8

The word “Power” here is dynamis, meaning force, specifically, miraculous power. Notice, the Word of GOD says, “you shall receive.” Meaning it’s yours. It’s mine. Who brought it? The HOLY SPIRIT who is upon us – and in us.  

Nothing Moses, Elijah, Elisha, and many other prophets operating in Scripture did was outside of the divine order or ordination of GOD, clearly stated in Genesis 1:27. When it came to hardening Pharoah’s heart, GOD said, “I will do that.” It’s not in our scope of authority. GOD’s Power will never be used to control people. That is witchcraft – the use of demonic powers to control people.  

However, GOD’s Power in us gives us the ability to correct and carry out HIS judgements. GOD’s Power in us gives us the ability to command nature, demonic spirits, and circumstances, and request the release of angels to assist in carrying out the work of GOD. Let’s take some examples from the New Testament.  

Peter spoke, and Ananias and Sapphira died because they lied to the HOLY SPIRIT (Acts 5:1-10). Paul spoke, and Elymas the magician became blind for a time (Acts 13:8-12). Paul cast out the spirit of divination which enabled the slave girl to tell the future (Acts 16:16-18). Peter and John caused a crippled man to start walking. He had been sitting at the temple gate called “Beautiful” for many years. But when Power showed up, that changed (Acts 3:1-8). When Dorcas died, they didn’t bury her body because they knew Peter was coming and he had HOLY SPIRIT upon him. Naturally, Peter did what KING JESUS showed them to do, and he raised Dorcas from the dead (Acts 9:36-43). 

Of course, KING JESUS CHRIST demonstrated Power to us while HE walked the earth. But I didn’t list that because many people simply relegate that to HIM being JESUS…. While that is true, our KING came to show us the way of the KINGDOM. That is why HE said: Everything I do, you can do, and even more because HOLY SPIRIT is in you as well (John 14:12-14). 

Everything Elijah, Elisha, and all the other prophets after Moses did, Moses had done first. Moses was a type and shadow of KING JESUS CHRIST in the Hebrew Bible. Moses brought the establishment of the Law and the Prophets. Everything that the LAMB’s Apostles (the eleven disciples plus Paul) who walked with KING JESUS or saw HIM afterwards did, KING JESUS did first. It is in the New Testament that we receive Power over demonic spirits. This was not given in the Hebrew Bible, and Moses did not model it. This is why, when people practiced unholy and ungodly things that were forbidden in the land, they were driven off the land or killed, such that the land itself would not be defiled. We will teach on land another time. Because in the Hebrew Bible, the Power to deal with demonic spirits had not been released.  

However, in the New Testament, when people practiced the same things, they could access forgiveness through the BLOOD of JESUS and the evil spirits operating through them can be cast out. The person can be restored and filled with the HOLY SPIRIT and become a powerful witness for the LORD.  

Again, this devotional only scratches the surface of Power. But I encourage all of us to pause and ask the LORD to unlock our minds to the reality of HIS Power such that we can be effective witnesses for HIM in the world today. The entire world is waiting for us to take our place, sons of GOD.  

“For I consider the sufferings of this present time not worthy to be compared with the coming glory to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation eagerly awaits the revelation of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility—not willingly but because of the One who subjected it—in hope 21 that the creation itself also will be set free from bondage to decay into the glorious freedom of the children of God.” Romans 8:18-21

“As they were walking along and talking, behold, a chariot of fire and horses of fire separated the two of them, and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven. 12 As Elisha was watching, he was crying out, ‘Avi! Avi! The chariot of Israel and its horsemen!’ Then he saw him no more. So he took hold of his own clothes and tore them in two pieces. … 13 He then picked up the mantle of Elijah that fell from him. When he returned and stood by the bank of the Jordan, 14 he took the mantle of Elijah that had fallen off him, struck the waters and said, ‘Where is Adonai, the God of Elijah?’ As he indeed struck the waters, they parted here then there. Then Elisha crossed over. … 23 From there he went up to Bethel. As he was going up along the road, some young boys came out of the city. They mocked him saying to him, ‘Go on up, baldy! Go on up, baldy!’ 24 So he turned around and looked at them and cursed them in the Name of Adonai. Then two she-bears came out of the woods and mauled 42 of the boys.” 2 Kings 2:11-14, 23-24 TLV

The topic of Power is deep. We will only scratch the surface here. But dig into Scripture, and HOLY SPIRIT will teach you more than we have time for in this devotional.  

I love the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) because it gives us a very clear picture of the rules of the KINGDOM and what we are entitled to walk in when we obey KINGDOM laws, aka Righteousness. Once we see and understand the concepts, then we can translate it to New Testament – the dispensation of the SON and the HOLY SPIRIT.  

Elijah and the early prophets understood the concept of Power. They knew how to stand inside GOD and call the things that are not as though they were (Romans 4:17), once they cleared it with GOD first. Take, for example, the crossing of the Jordan river in 2 Kings 2. Elijah knew GOD had sent him to the place where he would meet the chariot of fire that would rapture him. Obviously, GOD wanted him to get to that mountain, but there was a river in the way. ADONAI had not provided a boat. So, in the thought process of the KINGDOM, the Jordan had to make room for Elijah to pass. So, the river simply parted. No big deal. This is the KINGDOM way. It was so not-a-big-deal that Elijah and Elisha had inheritance and transfer of power discussions while walking through the river.  

Where have we seen this before? ELOHIM taught Moses that the earth obeys the Power of GOD operating within him when GOD HIMSELF said the following.

“Then Adonai said to Moses, ‘Why are you crying to Me? Tell Bnei-Yisrael to go forward. 16 Lift up your staff, stretch out your hand over the sea, and divide it. Then Bnei-Yisrael will go into the midst of the sea on dry ground. 17 Then I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyptians, and they will go in after them, so that I will be glorified over Pharaoh and all his army, his chariots and his horsemen. 18 Then the Egyptians will know that I am Adonai, when I have been glorified over Pharaoh, his chariots and his horsemen.’” Exodus 14:15-18

GOD literally said: Stop being a cry-baby and use your Power – the Power that I have given you. In Temi English, it goes like this: “Quit your whining already; you do your part, and I will do MINE.”

Wait, what? That’s an entire sea! It’s one thing to turn a walking stick (staff) into a snake, watch it swallow Pharaoh’s snakes and turn back into a staff. It’s quite another thing to part an entire sea. But in KINGDOM, no it’s not. It is simply Power.  

After Elijah transferred to Heaven, Elisha tore his own clothes and put on his master’s clothes, representing the transfer of mantels – as in, I got what you got plus what I already had – cause everyone exposed to the PRESENCE of GOD gets something. That is where the double portion came in.  

Quick tip. Spirits can be transferred by clothing, jewelry, bones, or anything that is on or in your physical body. Why? Because our human body is a container for spirits. It contains our human spirit, HOLY SPIRIT and/or demonic spirits. Remember, our bodies are mobile temples (see 1 Corinthians 6). If collecting clothes from others, after washing them, anoint them, and command any spirits they carry to leave, and no transfer of spirits, in KING JESUS’ Name.  

We then see Elisha start using his Power both for good and not so good. Those boys disrespected a prophet of GOD. Regardless of how we feel about what Elisha commanded; GOD honored it. The result was that nature obeyed the curse, and bears ate 42 boys.  

What about you and I today? Is all this Old Testament stuff? Does this apply to us today? Absolutely. But the lying spirit operating through religion has blinded our spiritual and physical senses, so we do not operate in the Power of GOD given to us.  

As I was meditating on the topic of this devotional, my thoughts kept returning to the opening statement from Day Two’s devotional, which declared, “It is restraint, not ignorance; it is Mercy!”That truth still echoes deeply in my heart. It reminds me that the LORD GOD, the JUDGE of all the earth, deliberately held HIMSELF back when HE passed over our sins while we were still in them. Out of HIS great mercy, HE restrained HIS judgment so that we would not be consumed by the punishment we rightly deserved. HE did this on the basis of the atoning sacrifice of JESUS CHRIST, whose shed blood satisfied divine justice and opened the door for us to receive forgiveness. This draws attention to the following Scripture.

“For all of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteousness is like a filthy garment…” Isaiah 64:5 TLV

All our human attempts to attain right standing before the Holy and Righteous JUDGE can never measure up. Our best efforts, apart from CHRIST, fall short.

Let’s look at the scribes and Pharisees as an example. They were known for creating systems of intricate details that were meant to “protect” people from “accidentally” breaking one of GOD’s laws. However, in doing so, they completely missed the heart of GOD for HIS people.

“Then Jesus spoke to the crowds and to His disciples, 2 saying: “The scribes and the Pharisees have seated themselves in the chair of Moses. 3 Therefore, whatever they tell you, do and comply with it all, but do not do as they do; for they say things and do not do them. 4 And they tie up heavy burdens and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are unwilling to move them with so much as their finger. 5 And they do all their deeds to be noticed by other people….” Matthew 23:1-5 NASB

All of their best efforts (i.e. man’s righteousness) did not get them any closer to GOD. Rather, they were sternly rebuked by JESUS (see all of Matthew 23).

“Woe to you, Torah scholars and Pharisees, hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and uncontrolled desire. 26 O blind Pharisee! First clean the inside of the cup and dish, so that the outside may become clean as well.” Matthew 23:25-26 TLV

For the sake of “righteousness,” the scribes and Pharisees instituted man’s laws on top of GOD’s ordinances. Don’t we do this today? How many denominations esteem their doctrines in as high regard as the very WORD of GOD? How many churches add rule upon rule upon rule, while being blind to the heart of GOD?

All of our best efforts (i.e. man’s righteousness) will not get us any closer to GOD. It is not enough to be a “good person,” appearing GODLY yet hiding what’s in the heart.

“But Adonai said to Samuel, ‘Do not look at his appearance or his stature, because I have already refused him. For He does not see a man as man sees, for man looks at the outward appearance, but Adonai looks into the heart.’” 1 Samuel 16:7 TLV

Where else do we see the attempt to reach heaven / paradise / GOD through man’s works? Cults. Works-based cults.

And yet, all of our best efforts (i.e. man’s righteousness) will not get us any closer to GOD. Why? Because our righteousness is founded upon our works, our earnings, what we can do, what man can accomplish, rather than, by simple faith, accepting as a free gift that which JESUS CHRIST accomplished for us on the Cross.

“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” 2 Corinthians 5:21 NKJV

“For I am not ashamed of the Good News, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who trusts—to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 In it the righteousness of God is revealed, from trust to trust. As it is written, ‘But the righteous shall live by emunah [faith].’” Romans 1:16-17 TLV

True righteousness does not come from our own striving, but from GOD HIMSELF. What we can ever hope to do can never be enough; it is what CHRIST has already done for us. As we seek HIM first, HIS righteousness becomes our strength, our confidence, and our true identity.

The righteousness of KING JESUS is one of the magnificent truths about HIM. It reveals HIS divine protection, HIS power to make us right with GOD and HIS just rule. 

Righteousness calls us to be in right standing with the ALMIGHTY, embodying moral uprightness, justice and a life lived in accordance with HIS will and standards, not of our own earthly desires.

“For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NLT

This prophecy points to foretelling the birth of a CHILD who will be a future RULER, a MESSIAH with divine qualities such as “MIGHTY GOD”, “EVERLASTING FATHER,” and “PRINCE of PEACE.”

“For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” 2 Corinthians 5:21 NLT

The righteousness of KING JESUS is both HIS Character and HIS gift. HE rules with perfect justice and truth, and HE clothes us in HIS righteousness through faith. HE is not only the righteous KING who reigns, but also the righteous SAVIOR who redeems.

EXAMPLES OF HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS 

· Hint 1: HIS Righteous Sacrifice 

“But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. 22 We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.” Romans 3:21-22 NLT

Through the Cross, JESUS exchanged our sin for HIS righteousness. The righteous KING became the suffering Servant, bearing the weight of injustice so that we could stand justified before GOD. HIS righteousness was not just displayed; it was imparted to all who believe. Because of HIS sacrifice, we can approach GOD with confidence, clothed in HIS holiness.

· Hint 2: HIS Righteous Reign in Us

“Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. 13 Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God.” Romans 6:12-13 NLT

KING JESUS not only reigns in Heaven; HE reigns in the hearts of HIS people. Through the HOLY SPIRIT, HIS righteousness begins to shape our desires, decisions, and character. We become living reflections of HIS purity and truth. HIS righteousness transforms us from within, teaching us to love what is good and hate what is evil.

· Hint 3: HIS Righteous Rule

“But to the Son he says, ‘Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever. You rule with a scepter of justice.’” Hebrews 1:8 NLT

Unlike earthly rulers who often fail or fall, KING JESUS rules with perfect righteousness. HIS judgments are just, HIS laws are pure, and HIS KINGDOM is everlasting. When we submit to HIS authority, we find peace, order, and truth. HIS rule restores what sin has broken.

WHY “THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF KING JESUS?”

Because HIS righteousness reveals HIS divine nature and secures our eternal hope. Without it, there would be no salvation, no forgiveness, and no restoration. The righteousness of KING JESUS is the light that pierces the darkness, the foundation of HIS KINGDOM, and the assurance that GOD’s justice will prevail.

When we embrace HIS righteousness, we not only find forgiveness; we find transformation. HIS righteousness becomes our identity, our protection, and our calling to live as citizens of HIS Holy KINGDOM.

Prayer Points:

1. Thanksgiving for HIS righteous sacrifice, JESUS: Thank YOU for taking my sin and giving me YOUR righteousness. May I never forget the price YOU paid to make me right with GOD.
2. Prayer for HIS righteous reign in us: HOLY SPIRIT, reign within me. Transform my thoughts, my words, and my actions to reflect the righteousness of KING JESUS.
3. Thanksgiving for HIS righteous rule: KING JESUS, thank YOU for reigning with justice and truth. YOUR Throne is established forever, and YOUR ways are perfect. Rule in my heart as YOU rule in Heaven.

Closing Declaration:

The righteousness of KING JESUS is my shield and my song. I am covered by HIS grace, led by HIS truth, and transformed by HIS power. My KING reigns in righteousness—forever and ever. 

“Open the gates, that the righteous nation may enter, The one that remains faithful.” Isaiah 26:2 NASB

Who is “the righteous nation,” but those who are citizens of the KINGDOM of GOD? 

Have you ever met someone from another country? You can usually spot a foreigner, as their language, their accent, their customs, their appearance, and other characteristics are distinctive. Each country – each “kingdom” – has its own set of cultural norms or characteristics, and rules that aid in defining a citizen of the country. In the same manner, the KINGDOM of GOD has certain characteristics and rules that define its citizens. The characteristics: Love (see John 13:35). The rules: Righteousness.

“So He shows mercy to our fathers and remembers His holy covenant, 73 the vow which He swore to Abraham our father, to grant us—74 rescued fearlessly from the hand of our enemies—to serve Him,
75 in holiness and righteousness before Him all our days.” Luke 1:72-75

What is righteousness, but holiness in action? And according to this Scripture, spoken by the HOLY SPIRIT through Zechariah the priest (see Luke 1:67), the expectation / boundaries / guidelines / rules to “serve HIM in holiness and righteousness before HIM all our days” was established as part of the Abrahamic Covenant, before the Law was set in place!

An entire book could be written on this topic. For the sake of this devotion, we will highlight a few key points. I would encourage you to take a dive deeper into the secrets of the KINGDOM of GOD through your personal study.

First, repentance is turning away from your sin (see Matthew 3:2), whereas righteousness is demonstrating that you have turned from your sin. Someone may ask, “Oh, so you’re a CHRISTIAN? Well, prove it!” In a world of secularism, humanism, and deception in the church, it is critical to authentically live a life of holiness, demonstrated as righteousness. And since the physical location of the KINGDOM of GOD is inside its citizens, as the HOLY SPIRIT dwells within us, then righteousness (the proof, the rules, the expectations) is the outward expression of the KINGDOM, such that all may see and know GOD tangibly through us. Righteousness, then, is the fruit worthy of repentance.

“But when he saw many Pharisees and Sadducees coming to his immersion, he said to them, ‘You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? 8 Therefore produce fruit worthy of repentance’” Matthew 3:7-8 TLV

This brings us to our next point. HIS righteousness, not our own, is what we seek (see Matthew 6:33 and Isaiah 64:5). The religious leaders (Pharisees and Sadducees) were experts at demonstrating man’s righteousness. They followed the letter of the Law. They did everything right, trying to attain perfection through their deeds. But they had a heart issue. They had action, without holiness. 

“Woe to you, Torah scholars and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but inside are full of dead men’s bones and everything unclean. 28 In the same way, you appear righteous to men on the outside, but are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” Matthew 23:27-28 TLV

Take time to read JESUS’ Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). You will see that GOD’s righteousness starts in the heart. Why? Because the HOLY SPIRIT dwells within us. HE is the ONE who teaches us GOD’s righteousness. When we love our neighbor as ourselves, strive for peace and not war, operate in restraint even when we have the power to retaliate (meekness), when we are humble even in the face of great achievements, when we care for those in need, show justice to the oppressed, comfort those who mourn, forgive those who wronged us, and pray for the redemption of our enemies, we are demonstrating the KING and HIS KINGDOM. We are superimposing the will of GOD on earth as it is in Heaven. 

Finally, the rules of the KINGDOM, GOD’s righteousness, can only be fully exhibited when we crucify our flesh, with its passions and desires. Yes, this is the part that hurts – the burning of the flesh. It is not enough to simply subdue our desires. They must be crucified. If not, our desires give opportunity for temptation and enticement, which gives birth to sin, which brings death (see James 1:13-15).

Prayer Points: Pray through the following Scripture. Allow the HOLY SPIRIT to speak to you and through you, such that repentance will produce GOD’s righteousness, demonstrated through us, the citizens of the KINGDOM of GOD.

“But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17 For the desire of the flesh is against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, in order to keep you from doing whatever you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. 19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: sexual immorality, impurity, indecent behavior, 20 idolatry, witchcraft, hostilities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions, 21 envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24 Now those who belong to Christ Jesus crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 If we live by the Spirit, let’s follow the Spirit as well.” Galatians 5:16-25 NASB

Can the KINGDOM of GOD be contained in a location? 

What is a kingdom? According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, it is “a politically organized community or major territorial unit having a monarchical form of government headed by a king or queen.” A kingdom is basically a territory over which a king reigns.  

The KINGDOM of GOD / Heaven is ruled by GOD, the ANCIENT of DAYS, ELYON (THE MOST HIGH GOD). When looking at the spiritual location of the KINGDOM of GOD, HOLY SPIRIT kept bringing me to the verse below.

“So will God really dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain You!” 1 Kings 8:27

This verse also led me to the following.

“However, Elyon does not dwell in man-made houses. As the prophet says, 49 ‘Heaven is My throne, and the earth is the footstool of My feet. What kind of house will you build for Me, says Adonai, or what is the place of My rest?’” Acts 7:48-49

As we can see here, GOD is too big for Heaven; HE actually calls Heaven HIS Throne. Cue the song our kids sing in children’s church (“My GOD is so BIG, so strong and so mighty, there’s nothing my GOD cannot do”). GOD is just too BIG for Heaven to contain HIM, but to help our minds somewhat come to terms to HIS vastness, HE set up a location: Heaven, a location for HIS rulership. 

This is why only HE, only the ANCIENT of DAYS, only THE MOST HIGH GOD can rule the KINGDOM of GOD – because the KINGDOM of GOD came out of HIM. The spiritual location of the KINGDOM of GOD is GOD HIMSELF! 

I am frightened to write this devotion! That GOD will choose to even reveal HIMSELF to us. It should put the Fear of GOD within us. We should not just run up to the front of the line and stick our chest out, saying, “Me, me!” The KINGDOM of GOD comes with Fire because HE is a consuming Fire!  

But we do want to enter into the KINGDOM of GOD. We want to be in the very place we bow over and over again, acknowledging HIS righteous judgments and Who HE is.  

Ask yourself: Do you really want the keys to the KINGDOM? It is exciting when we read this verse below.

“And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:19

The KINGDOM of GOD is more than just a location; this is a place GOD created for rulership, remember the monarchy? HE rules and no one can find fault in HIM. And, our GOD says HE will give us the keys to the KINGDOM of Heaven. We are allowed to open doors and peak inside and find out HIS secrets/mysteries. 

“And he answered them, ‘To you it has been given to know the secrets of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.” Matthew 13:11

It is an interesting case of push-and-pull or should-I-or-should-I-not. I want to open the doors and peak inside. But I know HE will kill me, HE needs to kill me; I need to die to get into the KINGDOM of GOD. 

“Yet if your brother is grieved because of your food, you are no longer walking in love. Do not destroy with your food the one for whom Christ died. 16 Therefore do not let your good be spoken of as evil; 17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” Romans 14:15-17

Soon, we will discuss the spiritual location of the KING’s KINGDOM – the KINGDOM of the SON whom HE loves (Colossians 1:13).  Today, we investigate this KINGDOM’s physical manifestation, or location, on the earth.  

During the last hours of KING JESUS CHRIST’s life here on earth, HE was brought before the then ruling prefect of Judea, Pontius Pilate, for questioning. Pilate was amazed at HIS responses because they were of ONE who had a KINGDOM and the authority to rule it. But that KINGDOM did not seem to be threatened by all the might of the Roman Empire. Rather it superseded the Empire. KING JESUS simply educated the prefect. Let’s take a look.  

“Pilate answered, ‘I’m not a Jew, am I? Your own nation and ruling kohanim handed You over to me! What have You done?’ 36 Yeshua answered, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I wouldn’t be handed over to the Judean leaders. But as it is, My kingdom is not from here.’” John 18:35-36

KING JESUS told the prefect: MY KINGDOM is not from here. If I were trying to lead a rebellion against your earthly rule, my subjects would have taken up political, military, economic, social media arms to prevent me from being crucified, vilified, insulted. Instead, they ran away or fought the wrong fight. It’s funny how some professing CHRISTians are still doing the same thing today, fighting the wrong fight and running away from the right one.  

Peter cut off the ear of the high priest’s servant. In the middle of the traumatic arrest proceedings, with clubs and spears in the dead of night, KING JESUS had to stop everything, heal poor Malchus, and teach everyone there that if you live by the sword, you will die by the sword (see Luke 22:49-53; John 18:10-15) – meaning, the KINGDOM of GOD does not come or manifest on the earth through violence.  

After JESUS’ arrest, all the disciples ran away. For this KINGDOM, in that specific timeline, it didn’t seem to bother KING JESUS CHRIST one bit. So, if this KINGDOM does not need me to march down to Pilate’s office and demand the release of its KING, then what is it doing here on earth? Why does it threaten so many? Why are we always at war? Why is “it near” or in other translations, “at hand?”

“Turn away from your sins, for the kingdom of heaven is near!” Matthew 3:2

The physical location of the KINGDOM of Heaven is inside its citizens – our physical bodies. Once we accept KING JESUS CHRIST as our LORD, HIS SPIRIT – the HOLY SPIRIT – comes to live inside of us (see John 14:20). HOLY SPIRIT connects us to HIS KINGDOM. This is why we are seated with CHRIST JESUS in Heavenly places – because that is where the KING rules HIS KINGDOM (see Ephesians 2:4-6).  

Yes, we are bilocated. We sit in both the physical and spiritual location of the KINGDOM of GOD. This is why we can cause the will of our FATHER to be done on earth as it is in Heaven (see Matthew 6). We know what Heaven wants; we have direct access. We know what earth needs; we live here.  

The HOLY SPIRIT demonstrates the KINGDOM through us by our lifestyle of holiness which releases the power and authority of the KINGDOM onto the earth. This power and authority given to us by our FATHER, which KING JESUS came to demonstrate for us while HE was here on earth, was the original tool set given to Adam in Genesis 2. Ruling the earth was the very reason a physical body was created for Adam, see Genesis 2:4-5, 15, 19 and Genesis 1:27. 

Today, the KINGDOM of GOD, aka KINGDOM of Heaven, is demonstrated, manifested, and physically located within the thinking process and physical actions of its citizens, you and me. When we heal the sick, raise the dead, cast out demons, and cleanse lepers (see Matthew 10:8), we demonstrate physically the power and authority of the KING and HIS KINGDOM. For a complete list of what the KINGDOM looks like physically, read all the Holy Bible, starting from Matthew 5. There are also benefits to our KINGDOM. Those who come against us fall for our sake. That’s in the Holy Bible as well.  

As citizens of the KINGDOM, we are at war. Our war is for the transformation of the hearts and minds of mankind everywhere. Our war is to move people from the kingdom of darkness (satan’s domain) to the KINGDOM of GOD. The outcome of our war is that we have changed people. Those changed people change political, military, social, and economic systems.

Let’s go back to Pilate and KING JESUS. If the KINGDOM was inside Pilate, he would have bowed at KING JESUS’ Feet and worshiped HIM. The proposal of the Jewish leaders to crucify HIM would have been completely overruled. Of course, we know that is not how it happened for many reasons (see John 19:11). This was just an example.

Now, imagine if everyone was in the KINGDOM. What would that look like? That is what we work to bring to earth as it is in heaven. The KINGDOM of GOD.

It is restraint, not ignorance; it is Mercy!

GOD is righteous. HE sits as a judge on HIS Throne, and no one can question HIS judgment. Even the Bible says that the foundation of HIS throne is righteousness and justice.

“Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne. Unfailing love and truth walk before you as attendants.” Psalms 89:14 NLT

Further reading into HIS righteousness had me coming upon a verse I have read before, but now a word stood out to me.

“Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin. 21But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, as attested by the Law and the Prophets. 22 And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. 25 God presented Him as an atoning sacrifice in His blood through faith, in order to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance He had passed over the sins committed beforehand.” Romans 3:20-25 BSB

Our emphasis starts from verse 21, but to understand what Paul is saying, we need the preceding verse. Verse 20 tells us in not so many words that GOD is not impressed by works of the law. We are told in verse 21 that the righteousness of GOD is revealed by the law, and it comes through faith in JESUS. What really got me stoked was when I got to verse 25.

GOD presented JESUS as an atoning sacrifice so HE could demonstrate GOD’s righteousness. Why does JESUS have to demonstrate GOD’s righteousness? Because of GOD’s forbearance. What does this word mean? In Greek, it means tolerance, restraint. Do you see verse 25 in a whole new light now? Aaah! Let us rewrite that verse:

“God presented Him as an atoning sacrifice in His blood through faith, in order to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance [tolerance/restraint] He had passed over the sins committed beforehand.” Romans 3:25 BSB

Our GOD held HIMSELF back when we were in sin; HE passed over (remission of punishment/ overlooked/ suspended) our sins. It is almost like GOD held HIMSELF back twice just so HE did not consume us in our sin. How merciful is HIS righteousness, that HE would gloss over my sin? I deserved judgment, but because of HIS SON’s atoning sacrifice, HE restrained HIMSELF; HE passed over/suspended my sins that deserved death!

Thank YOU, JESUS, for drawing our hearts to YOU. Thank YOU for not giving up on us. LORD, we deserved death. YOU could have consumed us, but YOU restrained YOURSELF because of the Blood! Hallelujah!

“Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ 32For the pagans eagerly pursue all these things; yet your Father in heaven knows that you need all these. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:31-34

The final 21-day corporate prayer and fasting the LORD called us into for 2025 has begun and we shall be diving into the KINGdom of GOD and HIS Righteousness. While KING JESUS came to reveal additional dimensions of the KING and HIS KINGDOM, this concept is not new. I love the GOD we serve, because HE is also our FATHER, our ABBA. HE uses times, seasons, generations, and situations to reveal HIMSELF to us.

“God spoke further to Moses and said to him, ‘I am Adonai. 3 I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac and to Jacob, as El Shaddai. Yet by My Name, Adonai, did I not make Myself known to them.’” Exodus 6:2-3

The concept of the KINGDOM of GOD or the KINGDOM of Heaven began from the days of Abram turned Abraham. From that time, ABBA determined to raise up for HIMSELF a person and a people, who would recover a portion of what Adam lost in the Garden.

“Then Adonai said to Abram, ‘Get going out from your land, and from your relatives, and from your father’s house to the land that I will show you. 2 My heart’s desire is to make you into a great nation, to bless you, to make your name great so that you may be a blessing. 3 My desire is to bless those who bless you, but whoever curses you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth will be blessed.’” Genesis 12:1-3

A quick sidebar.

Even though ABBA gave that promise to Abram back in Genesis 12, it took generations before it was all fulfilled. When GOD speaks to us, some things HE says will happen right away, while others will take a lifetime of obedience and sacrifice to obtain. The part of “in you all the families of the earth will be blessed” refers to the SEED, KING JESUS CHRIST. That part of the promise took 2,000 years to come to pass.  If we get distracted or discouraged during the journey, we will never see the fulfillment of all HE promised.  

Back to concept at hand.

According to Google search, the Greek words for "Kingdom of GOD" in the New Testament are basileia tou theou (βασιλεία τοῦθεοῦ), where basileia (βασιλεία) is the word for "kingdom" or "rule," and theou (τοῦ θεοῦ) is the genitive form of theos (Θεός), meaning "GOD." This phrase describes GOD’s sovereign rule or the realm over which HE reigns.  

The phrase “Kingdom of Heaven" has the same meaning. Ouranos (heaven) (οὐρανῶν), forming the phrase “Basileía tō̂n Ouranō̂n.” Ouranos signifies the heavens or sky, with the phrase emphasizing GOD’s unlimited rule and divine presence.  

To the Jews and Gentiles living in KING JESUS’ time, these phrases were not foreign. Since the foundation of the nation of Israel, they have been “coming out from amongst them” and separated unto one GOD rather than the pantheons of gods that other nations worshiped.  

“Now therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My covenant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people; for all the earth is Mine. 6 And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words which you shall speak to the children of Israel.” Exodus 19:5–6

As children of ABBA, we also have been instructed to “come out from among them,” as in be different such that we can be special unto GOD.  

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9

But chosen to what? What does all this mean? Excellent questions. 

We have the special privilege of being and becoming citizens of the KINGDOM of GOD.  

The KINGDOM of GOD is a physical and a spiritual place. It has its own set of rules and regulations, called Righteousness. Think of the KINGDOM of GOD as a country. But a country that has its physical location in the hearts of its citizens, and its spiritual location is on Mount Zion, in Heaven. Hence, its other name, KINGDOM of Heaven.  

Through salvation (trust in the KING of this KINGDOM), we become citizens of this KINGDOM. Through obedience to the rules and regulations of this KINGDOM, we get to enjoy the benefits of it while here on earth. Some of the benefits of this KINGDOM are health, wealth, provision, obedience, long life, suffering, persecution, and much more. But we must physically enter this KINGDOM to be able to obtain these benefits. The KINGDOM of GOD is also referred to as the KINGDOM of the SON of HIS Love. 

“He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love.” Colossians 1:13 NKJV