Page 53 - First Steps 2023

him as the King of kings—something to keep in mind if you’re in the habit
of ignoring Jesus now and then.
If you wouldn’t glaze over a request from a president, premier, or
potentate, you won’t want to be ignoring Jesus. He outranks them by a
margin of, oh, about a gazillion. And you, as a disciple, are one of his
subjects.
If that’s intimidating, good. It should be.

The Bible says this…

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom” (Psalm 111:10).

“Fear” in this context is a heartfelt mix of respect, awe, and rever-
ence. As a disciple you’re following a King—a holy King. He’s worthy of
your complete obedience and service.

• The Kingdom of God has a King—and it’s not you.
You already know this, but it’s worth stating clearly: The Kingdom of
God is not a democracy. You don’t get a vote and you weren’t brought in
so you can fix what’s broken.
Jesus is the eternal King and there’s nothing broken in his Kingdom
that’s within your powers to fix. He’s got it all covered, thank you. Though,
as you follow Jesus, you’ll discover one broken thing he’s fixing is…you.

• The Kingdom of God is about loving transformation.
In some kingdoms, rulers lord their power over others. In God’s King-
dom, King Jesus left heaven to take on the form of a human to come deal
with the dirt, disease, and death that plague us humans.
He did it because of love—and it’s a love that invites your response
daily.
In time you’ll find you’re losing your taste for sin not because you fear
being punished, but because your love for Jesus motivates you to value
your friendship with him more than whatever temporary pleasures come

from sinful actions.
That’s transformation—and that’s where you’re headed, disciple.

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