SUPERIOR KINGDOM

In our referenced Scripture below, Jesus made a statement of proof that He was filled with the power of the Spirit to heal and save, which means that He was what He claimed to be - the head of the supreme Kingdom. But here's the point: the kingdom of God has always been in contrast to the kingdom of darkness. In today's chapter and context, we can come to comprehension that the more people magnified Christ, the more desirous the Pharisees tried to vilify Him.

Reference: Matthew 12:28 Weymouth New Testament (WNT) 'But if it is by the power of the Spirit of God that I expel the demons, it is evident that the Kingdom of God has come upon you.'

Have you ever paid careful attention to political elections, and specifically the political debates leading up to an election? Most often we see candidates putting one another down, even resorting to all sorts of name calling and verbal abuse. These leaders recognize and are motivated by the fact that their future reign and impact depend on being the chosen one.

Jesus healed a deaf and mute man, a man with an evil spirit. The people who were watching began to wonder if Jesus was the Messiah (see Matthew 12:22-30). The Pharisees saw that this could affect their position of influence and authority, so they automatically discredited Jesus. They realized that if indeed the Spirit of God is at work and the kingdom of heaven has come, then the Messiah - the King is present and they would be no longer in charge. So they tried to make Jesus a victim of a frame-up and made up stories to suggest that Jesus was only able to perform these miracles because He was part of Satan's kingdom.

Let's consider how Jesus responded. He made it clear that the choice is significant; there is no middle ground. If the people are not for Him, they are against Him. The Kingdom of God shares no ground with the devil. The reign of darkness over the unbelieving ones, and the reign of God over His people are in complete opposition. It is still the same today. Pay attention around you and see what happens when we talk about the gospel of Jesus. Sometimes, except the Spirit of God overshadows the atmosphere and influences men's heart, some people are likely to oppose the gospel.

Nevertheless, we must continue to propagate the Good News in our world. Tirelessly proclaim and preach Christ boldly by the power of His Spirit (Acts 4:31 NIV). We have been commissioned to speak and spread the Word of God with power and with boldness. However, in the way we interact with others on a daily basis, and in the way we use our resources, we can show whether we truly speak, live and stand for or against Jesus. Therefore, it's very important that as Christians, we take time to consider our stand and examine who we live for and the values we live by.

To take a firm stand for Christ and represent His Kingdom which we belong in, we must be constantly filled with greater degree of His Spirit. When we're filled with the Holy Ghost more than ever, we're not only empowered to proclaim His Word with boldness, but also our words are impregnated with miraculous power, and are accompanied by signs and wonders, despite any opposition.

Scripture Reading - Matthew 10:7-8; Mark 16:15; 1 Corinthians 1:17; Romans 1:16; 1 Peter 3:15.

Guided Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank you for being Saviour, my Lord, and my King. I'm super excited to be part of what you are doing here on earth, by your Spirit. I receive today, increased grace and ability to fulfil the ministry of reconciliation to those in my world. I declare that I'm fervent in soul-winning and as I preach Christ, the shackles of bondage and darkness are destroyed in men's lives, and they receive their salvation according to the will of God. Thank you Lord and unto God, the Almighty be all the glory and honour, in Jesus' Name, Amen!