Christian Writers Circle

Kingdom of Heaven
by Judy Hitson

Matthew 19:14 EXPANDED BIBLE (EXP) but Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop[hinder] them, because the kingdom of heaven belongs to people who are like these children [meaning humble and dependent].”

Are you humble and dependent on Jesus?

This question came to mind after reading this verse in the Expanded Bible.  We need God’s help to be humble and dependent on Him. I thought about the kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of God through Scripture, assuming they were parallel phrases with the same meaning. In my  search to understand any distinction, I found an excellent article. It is titled, The Kingdom of Heaven contributed by http://www.walvoard.com if you are interested in reading a well written, Biblically informative piece on the topic. He distinguishes the sphere of profession and the sphere of salvation for the kingdom of heaven and kingdom of God through Scripture. It’s like an invitation for us to dig deeper to understand God’s kingdom. May we have and keep a child-like faith, humble and dependent on Jesus to learn our part in His kingdom and live it out by His Spirit who gives life. (John 6:63; 2Cor.3:6)

Another Bible passage caught my attention that I’d like to share with you. Matthew 18:1-5 NASB At that time the disciples came to Jesus and said, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And He called a child to Himself and set him before them, and said, “Truly I say to you, unless you are converted and become like children, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever then humbles himself as this child, he is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me;

Previously I wrote about the following words that came to mind, “Kingdom of God Principles, starting with forgiveness.” Today, I see kingdom of heaven principles of humility and dependence on the Lord Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Father in heaven bless us to be humble and dependent on Jesus Christ and rely on His Holy Spirit in daily living. Amen.