From the desk of Pastor Ben

Entering the Kingdom – Part 2

“Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.”         (Matthew 18:3)

Another faith component that allows entrance into God’s kingdom is meekness. The meek neither claim nor demand any glory for themselves, but are committed to fighting for God’s causes. They will also have a desire for obedience. This goes far beyond a simple wish to be in the kingdom or a mere awareness that Jesus is its Lord (Matthew 7:21). God will produce in the souls of those entering His kingdom a personal submission to Christ as Lord and a new heart that longs to obey Him.

Entering the kingdom means following Jesus’ call to salvation (Matthew 19:21). And such people are willing to make a public confession of their desire to obey Him. Our Lord says, “Therefore, everyone who confesses Me before men, I will confess him before My Father who is in heaven. But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven” (Matthew 10:32-33).

Another component necessary for entering the kingdom of heaven is persistence. For example, the woman with the demon-possessed daughter did not quit when Jesus initially ignored her, when the apostles wanted to send her away, or when Jesus reminded her she was a Gentile. She persisted even with the spiritual leftovers until Christ met her need. In response to such childlike persistence, the Lord said, “O woman, your faith is great; it shall be done for you as you wish” (Matthew 15:28).

Ask Yourself:
Meekness is not often a highly valued or highly desired character trait. But what are some of the blessings God provides to those who choose to let God determine their worth rather than demanding their way, insisting that others recognize their value and importance?