THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN

1. Millions and millions of people all over the world do not bother about the kingdom of heaven. It does not concern them but in reality it should be of great concern to them. What they bother about is the food to eat and the raiments to put on. What they are concerned with is the position to occupy and how much money can come to their hands and into their Bank Accounts daily.
But Jesus who came from heaven to suffer for our sins is much concerned about our souls when we depart from this world; that our souls should have place in heaven. It is the place of eternal joy when we leave this world.
Many philosophers and atheist have misled people by telling them that there is no God and that there is no heaven. So our Lord persisted by teaching, preaching about the kingdom of heaven with parables; not only that, he also commanded his disciples to teach the world the word, to teach the world to repent and to teach the world about the kingdom of heaven.
Look at this which Jesus taught: “Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.” Matt. 25:1-2.

2. Now look at them closely:
(i) The foolish were not prepared fully because they had not enough oil. It is still so today; many are not prepared to receive the word of God to keep on guiding them. They resist the Holy Spirit and do not allow their lamps to keep on burning.
(ii) The foolish were not ready to be watchful and while the bridegroom came they wandered away looking for oil in their lamps. Similarly many are not watchful but live the life they desire, never thinking of the kingdom of heaven until they die.
(iii) The foolish were locked out finally and nothing could be done about it again. It is also true that those who are not in the marriage of the Lamb shall be in outer darkness without partaking in the kingdom of heaven. But those in the marriage shall be blessed. “And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.” Rev. 19:9.
Really the wise ones truly attained the glorious position they deserved. But the foolish were locked out. “And while they went to buy, the bridegroom came; and they that were ready went in with him to the marriage: and the door was shut.” Matt. 25:10.
The timely warning beckons even to us today: “Watch therefore, for ye know neither the day nor the hour where in the Son of man cometh” Matt. 25:13.

3. The kingdom of heaven is not comparable with any possession you may acquire in this world. Jesus Christ made it very clear: “Again the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.” Matt. 13:44-45.
Simply, we are taught here:
(i) There is nothing that should be more precious to you in this world than to gain the kingdom of heaven; heaven above.
(ii) There is nothing in the world that we should desire more than the desire to be in heaven after leaving this world.
(iii) All things gained in the world are perishable but heaven is a place of everlasting joy.
(iv) Heaven, the Kingdom of heaven is not the place for souls that refuse to repent from their sins.

4. Certainly, there would be separation: “Again the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind which when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just; And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth” Matt. 13:4.
The separation of the repentant heart from the hardened heart is to show us that God is just. Only those that are justified by Christ Jesus (Gal. 2:16) would enter the kingdom of heaven on the last day. It is not surprising then to hear our Lord Jesus Christ saying: “Not everyone that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven.” Matt. 7:21.
So all those that have been sleeping should wake up instantly and begin to seek heaven where there is joy, peace and everlasting life; where there shall be no sorrow, sickness nor death. Let us therefore be wise and seek the kingdom of heaven because: (i) John the Baptist preached it with all his strength and energy: “In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judea And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” Matt. 3:1-2. (ii) Christ also started by saying: “Repent for the kingdom of God is at hand.” Matt. 4:17 He preached it extensively even with parables all day long. Matt. 13:44-45. (iii) The Apostles did not relent in preaching it. “Now the works of the flesh…. Adultery, fornication… envying, murders drunkenness… as I have also told you, in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.” Gal. 5:19-21. The kingdom of God is also the kingdom of heaven. (iv) From ages past the kingdom of heaven has been established as everlasting: “Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom.” Psalm 145:13. (v) What else are you waiting for before you begin to seek the kingdom of heaven, before it will be too late: “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? Matt. 16:26.

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Samuel Okhisare
(Archbishop)
19th May, 2018. Risen Life Evangelical Church (Inc.)