The shepherds have chosen the theme of “Seek the Lord” for 2021. This theme is excellent because it stresses that being a Christian is not a passive enterprise; it requires actively seeking God and his will, which is difficult and, occasionally, discouraging. Nevertheless, seeking Yahweh is completely worthwhile. Jesus said that if we seek first his kingdom and righteousness, we do not have to be anxious of having our needs met (Matt 6:33). What does it mean to seek God’s kingdom and His righteousness?

When I think of the word “kingdom,” I often imagine the physical domain over which a king rule. However, “kingdom,” here, is not only referencing the spatial domain of God’s authority. Rather, seeking the kingdom involves submitting to God’s authority in obedience to him. We are seeking for God to reign, not only in ourselves but in the hearts of others.

The “righteousness” that we are supposed to seek is inseparable from the kingdom. Earlier in this same sermon, Jesus said that we must have a righteousness that exceeds that of the Pharisees in order to enter the kingdom. Thus, seeking God’s kingdom is actively practicing righteousness as Jesus describes it in the Sermon on the Mount and as the Apostles describe it in their sermons and letters. In conclusion, we must make God’s kingdom and righteous living our top priority all while hoping for the day when Jesus consummates his kingdom that he inaugurated on the cross and in Acts 2.