God's First Gift to Man

Seek First the Kingdom: Unveiling God's Divine Government

Dominion: God's First Gift to Man

The first gift God gave humanity was dominion over the earth, as stated in Genesis 1:26. Man was created to be God’s representative, or “sub-king,” on earth. Jesus emphasized the importance of seeking this kingdom in Matthew 6:33: "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

The word "seek" means to desire, to know, to pursue, to study, or to explore. Jesus urged us to make understanding the kingdom our first priority. This pursuit requires dedication and effort, not just a casual approach.

The Kingdom: Not a Religion, But a Government

Jesus’ message was clear: He came to bring a kingdom, not a religion. In Matthew 10:7, He instructed His disciples to preach, "The kingdom of heaven has arrived." From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom has been forcefully advancing, and only those who truly desire it take hold of it (Matthew 11:12).

To experience the kingdom, one must actively seek and study it. A casual acquaintance with God will not suffice. As God said, "If you seek me with all your heart, you will find me" (Jeremiah 29:13).

The Kingdom Defined

A kingdom is the sovereign rule and governing influence of a king over a territory, impacting it with his will, purpose, and intent. Jesus came to reestablish God's kingdom on earth, impacting it with divine governance. When we pray, "Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10), we are asking for God's government to be established here.

Christ’s Mission: Restoring the Kingdom

The mission and purpose of Jesus were to help us understand and receive the kingdom of God. He began His ministry with the proclamation, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matthew 4:17). Jesus’ opposition primarily came from religious leaders because His message of dominion and governance challenged their control.

The kingdom of God is about authority, ruling, and impacting the environment for Christ. It is not about religious rituals but about bringing God's will and purpose to earth.

Living the Kingdom Life

The concept of dominion is crucial. Genesis 1:26 explains that God gave man dominion over the earth. This dominion, or "mamlakah" in Hebrew, means kingdom. Therefore, humanity’s original mandate was to govern the earth under God's authority. When Adam sinned, he lost this kingdom, and Jesus came to restore it.

Jesus’ first public declaration was about the return of this rulership: "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has arrived" (Matthew 4:17). His primary opposition was not from sinners but from religious leaders who found the concept of dominion threatening.

Impacting Earth with Heaven’s Government

Jesus taught us to pray for God's kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth. This prayer reflects the essence of kingdom living: impacting our world with God’s will. Religion often separates us from the world, preparing us for heaven. In contrast, the kingdom prepares us to influence and transform the earth.

Jesus’ mission was to establish God’s government on earth. This mission is still relevant today. As believers, we are called to infiltrate and impact our society with the values and principles of God’s kingdom.

Conclusion: Embrace Your Kingdom Role

Understanding and seeking the kingdom of God is essential for living a purposeful and impactful life. The kingdom is about governance, authority, and bringing heaven’s influence to earth. Embrace this calling, study the kingdom, and allow God to use you to transform your environment. Seek first His kingdom, and everything else will follow.