December 8
The kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. - Romans 14:17, NKJV
The Jews had many preconceived ideas about the Messiah based on their interpretation of Scripture and what they wanted. When Jesus of Nazareth came on the scene with His public ministry, He was neither the Messiah they had been expecting, nor the Messiah they wanted. The Jews wanted someone Who would:
raise their standard of living,
grant them privileges without responsibility,
and restore them to the world power they had known under King David and King Solomon.
They wanted someone who would meet their physical and material and emotional needs.
They expected a glorious, victorious King Who would rid them of the Romans and establish them in national peace and prosperity and prominence. But the first time He came, He came to establish the kingdom of God, not in the world, but in the hearts of men. He was born to die. And so He was rejected as the King of Hearts. Then. But what about now? Would you crown Him King of your heart today?
From Just Give Me Jesus
