We’ve spent quite a bit of time over the past week on the theme entering the Kingdom of heaven (Matt. 5:20). Scripture makes it clear on what it takes to enter into the reign of the Kingdom and it’s also generically clear on what waits for those who faithfully enter into those positions.

Yeshua reveals to us in the parable of the Sower and the Seed that some will bring forth 100-fold, 60-fold, and 30-fold levels of fruit (Matt. 13:8). In the Parable of the pounds each individual received one pound to work with and the reward in the Kingdom was dependent upon their ability to reproduce that pound (Luke 19:13). The individual who increased their pound 10 times ruled over 10 cities (Luke 19:16,17). The one who increased 5 times ruled over 5 cities (Luke 19:18,19). The one who buried his pound received a very negative reward (Luke 19:20-27). In the parable of the talents, Yeshua calls His purchased servants and gives to each talents (5, 2, & 1) according to His grace, their individual ability, distributed in their lives (Matt. 25:14,15). As with the pounds they were supposed to take what was given to them and reproduce that ‘currency’ in lieu of Messiah’s return and their accountability. Each individual acted in one-way or another (Matt. 25:16-19). At Messiah’s return we find the two faithful individuals who duplicated their talents enter into a position of ruling and reigning with Messiah (Matt. 25:20-23). The third servant was rejected for his lack of effort (Matt. 25:24-30).

These are just three parables that Yeshua spoke concerning the reign of Heaven. We see that there is a reward for faithfulness and a negative consequence for lack of faithfulness. The truths in each parable are applicable to each of us. In the Sower and the seed we see the enemy use multiple strategies to keep individuals from bearing fruit (lack of understanding, persecution, cares of this world, deceitfulness of riches, and the pleasures of this life). We see the good seed overcome them all resulting in great fruit-bearing! In each parable we see decisions to follow obediently or shameful behavior in hiding what has been given to us freely.

As we move forward into the 2016 fiscal year it’s important for us to consider which path we are taking.

Many believe Yeshua’s return to be near. The Day of accountability will be at hand. In relationship to His Kingdom, His reign, will we be wise virgins (Matt. 25:4) or foolish (Matt. 25:3). Will we be generous like the sheep (Matt. 25:32-40) or self-absorbed like the goats (Matt. 25:41-46). Will we recognize the privilege of serving the Most High and love Him with all that is within us (Deut. 6:4-6; Luke 7:47) or will we be like the Scribes & Pharisees who built their own kingdom?

Tomorrow, we’ll look at a strategy on how to receive an abundant entrance into His coming Kingdom, basileia.

Rak Chazak Amats!

Alan