GIF Keys to the Kingdom

“The Lord will deliver me. . .and will bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom; to Him be the glory forever and ever.”

(2 Timothy 4:18)

Keys to the Kingdom
by Larry Burkett

Over the last few years, I have read and reread Paul’s letter to the Romans. It is obvious to me that Paul describes a man (himself) who found the keys to God’s invisible kingdom. He’s a man who accepts God as the absolute authority in his life and is willing to surrender everything, if necessary, to serve Him, even to the point of death.

Several years ago I met a Chinese Christian who was saved as a member of the “Red Brigade” in communist China. He was imprisoned, tortured, starved, and beaten in an effort to get him to renounce his faith. When he refused, his family was executed to teach others a lesson.

He said the thing that sustained him was an ever-deepening relationship with Christ and an unyielding commitment to serving God. When most of our commitments are weighed against his, it’s easy to see why the keys to the kingdom elude us.

Perhaps God hasn’t called us to the physical sacrifices that many Christian martyrs have suffered. But, the admonition that Christ gives to all of us is absolutely clear. We must do what Jesus told the disciples: “If anyone wishes to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me” (Mark 8:34).

Is this something you are willing to do?

Daily Scripture Reading:
1 Samuel 24-25; Psalm 57