We continue looking at what Jesus called “firsts” as He was ministering about the kingdom. Again, just to recap, we have to understand that the number one or first has symbolic value to a Jewish reader. As Jesus was speaking to them He was speaking to people that were thinking with a Hebraic mindset. So lets look at the next first that Jesus mentions in the book of Matthew.
1. First reconcile with your brother.
Matt. 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
All of these statements have priority but this one I believe tells us where it needs to start. People are looking for answers in the wrong places. During Jesus' time on earth they were looking for the Messiah and when He was there they missed Him as Messiah because they were looking with the wrong reasons and expectations. They were looking for one that could deliver them from physical slavery from the Romans. They were looking for a king that could lead their revolt and overthrow the burden they were under. His kingdom was spiritual and He was there to set them free from a spiritual bondage. What is worse, physical bondage or spiritual bondage?
They were looking, but their pursuit was starting in the wrong place. When Israel left Egypt and God delivered them from slavery they were free physically but they were still slaves in their thinking. How many times did they want to go back and face physical slavery again, but not be burdened with all the spiritual requirements God requested from them? Even in Jesus' day they were still in bondage to their own thinking and understanding about what Messiah should be. He came to change that.
Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. Start in the right place. For us today this is just as true. Any answers found outside the plan and purpose of God will lead to slavery. Only His kingdom and righteousness has the power to set you free and to restore all things to you. His promise is that if you seek Him first He will add what else you need to you. Most people make what they need the priority and end up spinning their wheels trying to make ends meet.
The other thing I see in this verse is trust. You might say that the word trust is not even in this verse. You just need to read it again. Do we trust Him to add what we need if we seek Him first? There is no one else that can meet your needs like God. Everything is from Him. Even before we ask He already knows what we have need off. If we as earthly fathers know how to give good gifts, how much more our heavenly father? The Hebrew word for trust means to run for protection. Who better to run to than the one that sees the future and knows the outcome? Are you trusting in Him or are you still trusting in something else?
Seek first His kingdom, His rule, and His reign. Where He is king everything is in proper perspective. In His kingdom there is no lack, no shortage, and no need.