This is a sample Lesson from the Hope and Light Bible Journal Class.
Kingdom of God
The call to seek first the Kingdom of God has been a central theme in Scripture, highlighting God’s sovereign rule over a broken world and His invitation for His people to prioritize Him above all else.
In this lesson, we will focus on three pivotal moments in biblical history that illuminate this truth:
- Isaiah’s prophecy during Jerusalem’s destruction by Babylon
- Haggai’s challenge to rebuild after the Babylonian exile
- Jesus’ proclamation of God’s reign as the fulfillment of these promises
Isaiah’s Vision: Hope in the Reign of God
As explained in the video above, book of Isaiah gives us a powerful image of hope amidst corruption and despair. After the destruction of Jerusalem by Babylon, the people of Israel were exiled, wondering if God had abandoned them. Their city, once meant to be a beacon of God’s reign bringing peace and blessing to all nations, lay in ruins due to their own corruption and rebellion.
Yet, even in this devastation, Isaiah paints a vivid picture of hope: a watchman sees a messenger running toward the city, shouting, “Good news!” Isaiah proclaims, How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news(Isaiah 52:7). The message? Despite the destruction, Israel’s God still reigns as King, and He will one day return to take His throne and restore peace.
This same promise of good news resonates today as we face a corrupt world, plagued by propaganda, social decay, and governmental failings. Just as God’s reign was a source of hope for ancient Israel, it remains our hope today. God’s Kingdom is unshaken, offering peace and restoration to those who seek Him.
Haggai’s Call: Prioritizing God’s Kingdom
In the aftermath of the Babylonian exile, the Jewish people returned to Jerusalem, eager to rebuild their lives. However, as they focused on reconstructing their own homes, they neglected a crucial aspect of their community: the temple of God.
The prophet Haggai stepped forward, urging the people to reevaluate their priorities. He reminded them that their prosperity and blessings were inextricably linked to their commitment to honoring God. By neglecting the temple, they were essentially putting their own interests above God's.
Haggai's message echoes the timeless principle found in Matthew 6:33: "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." When we prioritize God's work and honor Him above all else, we open ourselves up to a flood of blessings that permeate every area of life.
This principle has far-reaching implications:
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When we put God first, we experience a profound sense of purpose and direction.
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Our priorities become clearer, and we're able to distinguish between what's truly important and what's merely urgent.
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We begin to see the world through God's eyes, recognizing the sacred value of every person and every relationship.
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As we honor God, we become conduits for His blessings, which overflow into our families, communities, and workplaces.
Haggai's call to the postexilic Jews serves as a powerful reminder to us today: when we prioritize God's work and honor Him above all else, we invite His blessings to transform every aspect of our lives.
Jesus’ Call: Seek First the Kingdom
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus paints a vivid picture of life under God’s reign, calling His followers to pursue eternal treasures over fleeting earthly possessions. His teachings challenge the worry and striving that so often dominate our lives, promising that when we prioritize God’s Kingdom, He will meet all our needs.
In the chaos of a world overwhelmed by moral decay, corruption, greed, and self-interest, it’s easy to feel lost and uncertain. Yet, amidst the confusion, Matthew 6:33 offers clarity and purpose: Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. This verse calls us to ground our lives in God’s eternal truth, providing the stability and direction we need to navigate life’s challenges.
Jesus described God’s reign as an upside-down Kingdom, where greatness is found in serving others, forgiving enemies, and showing sacrificial love. His words call us to reorder our priorities, placing God and His ways above all else. When we embrace this Kingdom perspective, our lives are directed toward peace, purpose, and provision—anchored not in earthly systems, but in God’s unshakable rule.
Shifting Our Priorities
In today’s corrupt world, propaganda floods our screens and social media, twisting truth and fueling division, while government corruption undermines trust and moral foundations. These pervasive influences threaten to distract us from God, leaving us disoriented and spiritually adrift.
Yet, this is not a new struggle. The people of Bible times also lived in a corrupt world, facing unjust rulers, oppressive systems, and widespread moral decay. Amid such challenges, Jesus’ call to seek first the kingdom of God was a beacon of hope then, just as it is now. It invites us to cut through the noise, prioritize time with Him, align our actions with His Word, and trust Him to meet our needs, no matter how chaotic the world may seem.
Elizabeth George reminds us: When you make time alone with God your first priority for each day, you begin to live out the command of Matthew 6:33.
This simple yet profound practice can transform our outlook, filling us with peace and hope as we navigate today’s challenges. Through the coming lessons, we will study and learn from the corruption in Bible times, discovering how God’s people remained faithful and how His truth shone brightly even in the darkest moments of history.
Hebrew Word Study
- Mamlakah (Kingdom): Refers to God’s reign, His sovereign rule in our lives and the world. To seek His kingdom is to submit to His authority and live under His rule.
- Tsedeq (Righteousness): Beyond moral conduct, it implies living in alignment with God’s character and purposes. Seeking His righteousness means reflecting His justice, mercy, and love in our lives.
The terms "Kingdom of God" and "Kingdom of Heaven" are interchangeable in Scripture, both referring to God’s sovereign rule over all creation and His redemptive reign through Christ. While "Kingdom of Heaven" is primarily used in the Gospel of Matthew to reflect Jewish tradition, avoiding direct use of God's name, the meaning remains the same. Both terms highlight the spiritual reality of living under God’s authority, experiencing His righteousness, peace, and joy, as well as the future hope of His eternal reign.
The Kingdom of Heaven: Within Us
When Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:20-21), He emphasized that God’s reign begins in our hearts. Unlike earthly kingdoms, the Kingdom of God is a spiritual reality, marked by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). It transforms us from within, empowering us to reflect God’s love and truth in our lives. By seeking His will daily (Matthew 6:33), we carry His Kingdom into the world, offering hope and light to those around us.
Analogy: The Gardener’s Priority
Consider a gardener who spends her energy nurturing the roots of a tree. She knows that if the roots are healthy, the tree will flourish. But if she neglects the roots to focus on the leaves or fruit, the tree will wither. Seeking God’s kingdom first is like tending the roots—it ensures the health and growth of every other area in our lives.
Cross-References
- Psalm 37:4 - Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart.
- Philippians 4:19 - My God will meet all your needs according to the riches of His glory in Christ Jesus.
- Colossians 3:2 - Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.
The King and His Kingdom
Jesus embodies the kingdom of God. His life, death, and resurrection ushered in God’s reign, offering salvation and transformation to all who believe. By seeking Him, we align ourselves with God’s purposes and find our true identity as His children. Jesus’ ministry among the outcasts and His teachings on the kingdom challenge us to live as citizens of heaven, reflecting His light in a dark world.
Application: Living the Priority
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Start Each Day with God: Begin your morning in prayer and Scripture, setting the tone for your day.
- Examine Your Priorities: Reflect on how you spend your time, energy, and resources. Are they aligned with God’s kingdom?
- Trust God’s Provision: Resist the urge to worry about material needs. Focus on obedience, and trust God to provide.
- Share the Kingdom: Be a light to others by sharing the good news and living out kingdom values.
Conclusion: The Peace of Right Priorities
When we seek first God’s kingdom and His righteousness, we find not only provision but also peace and purpose. Just as a lighthouse guides ships safely through storms, prioritizing God’s reign in our lives directs us toward His abundant blessings.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for calling us to seek Your kingdom above all else. Help us to place You first in our lives, trusting in Your provision and guidance. Teach us to delight in Your righteousness and reflect Your light in a dark world. May we live as citizens of Your kingdom, bringing glory to Your name. Amen.
Bible Journaling Ideas
Use these prompts to enrich your journaling, whether by hand or digitally, in a notebook, treasure journal, or memory dex card. Use the journal spots from the Hope and Light Bible Journal Kit to create your entries, and decorate them with flowers, clusters, frames, and other elements for added beauty and inspiration.
- Frame Matthew 6:33: Write, frame, and decorate Matthew 6:33, or use the word art in the Hope and Light Kit as you reflect on what it means to seek first the kingdom of God in your life.
- Paraphrase Matthew 6:33: Rewrite the verse in your own words to capture its meaning for your heart.
- Kingdom Priorities: Create a bullet list of ways you can prioritize God’s kingdom in your daily life. Use specific examples from the lesson, like starting your day with prayer or reflecting on God’s Word.
- God’s Provision: Write a paragraph explaining how trusting in God’s provision, as mentioned in the lesson, can bring peace to your life. Include your reflections on Philippians 4:19.
- Roots and Growth Analogy: Journal about the gardener analogy. How does tending to the “roots” of seeking God first impact the “fruit” in your life?
- Hebrew Word Study: Document the meanings of the Hebrew words Mamlakah (kingdom) and Tsedeq (righteousness). Reflect on how understanding these words deepens your grasp of the key verse.
- Cross-References: Use the Open Bible Cross Reference Tool to create a list of cross-references, such as Psalm 37:4 or Colossians 3:2, and write about how they reinforce the theme of seeking God’s kingdom.
- Jesus as the Kingdom: Write a paragraph reflecting on how Jesus embodies the kingdom of God. How does this understanding change your view of living as a disciple?
- Haggai’s Challenge: Journal about the story from Haggai, where the people were called to rebuild God’s temple. How does this challenge inspire you to put God first in your own priorities?
- Personal Reflection: Reflect on the question, “What do I seek first?” Write a paragraph examining your priorities and listing steps to realign them with seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness.
Feel free to personalize these prompts and adapt them to your own journey as you explore the lesson. Let your journaling be a creative and spiritual act of worship!
Hope and Light Bible Journal Class
Ready to dive deeper into the life-transforming truths of the Kingdom of God? This sample lesson is just the beginning! Enroll in our course to explore God’s Word like never before, uncovering the richness of His Kingdom and how it applies to your daily life. With guided teachings, practical applications, and creative journaling prompts, you’ll grow in faith, find clarity in a chaotic world, and learn to live as a citizen of heaven. Don’t miss this opportunity to strengthen your walk with God—sign up today and begin your journey!
