Pastor Chris
For both he that sanctifies and
they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to
call them brethren (Hebrews 2:11).
In Mathew 11:11, the Master said: "Verily I say unto you, Among
them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the
Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater
than he." It’s important for us to understand that the underlined portion
above says, "he that is least in the kingdom of heaven…" and not
"…he that is least in the kingdom of God…." You might want to ask,
"Is there a difference between the "Kingdom of God" and the
"Kingdom of heaven?" the answer is "Emphatically yes!"
Both expressions: "the Kingdom of God" and "the Kingdom
of Heaven," though synonymously used, are clearly different. The Kingdom
of God refers to all that’s under the influence of the Almighty God in heaven
and on earth. The Kingdom of heaven, on the other hand, has to do with the work
of Jesus Christ in the earth; it’s actually the extension of the Kingdom of God
in the earth, headed by Jesus.
The Kingdom of heaven is the Church, of which we’re a part. So when
Jesus said, he that is least in the Kingdom of heaven is greater than John the
Baptist, He was talking about us—those who are joint-heirs with Him. We’re
greater because we’re the body of Christ; and each one of us has been exalted
to sit together with Christ at the right hand of power: "But God, who is
rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us. Even when we were dead
in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And
hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in
Christ Jesus" (Ephesians 2:4-6).
Our greatness isn’t the result of human associations, but a function of
our oneness with Him; we have the same life with Him, having been born of His
Word and His Spirit. We’re associates of the God-kind; we’re inextricably
united with Him: "…he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit" (1
Corinthians 6:17).
Confession
I’m a joint-heir with Christ; everything He has
belongs to me, and my life is for His glory. I walk in boldness and confidence
today, conscious of my inextricable union with Him. Halleluiah!
f u r t h e r s t u d y: John 15:5; John 15:16
Daily Scripture Reading
1 Year Reading Plan : Galatians 3:26-4:1-20, Obadiah
2 Year Reading Plan : Luke 23:34-43 2 Samuel 11-12
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