The Kingdom Manifesto
All the chaos, pandemonium, and noise surrounding this 2024 political season is reaching epic proportions as we come down the home stretch of a surefire eventful election later this fall.
As parties and candidates make their final arguments to voters this fall, party platforms are critical standards by which politicians articulate positions and voters determine to whom they will cast their vote.
>>Political Manifestos >> public declarations of policy, aims, and goals by political parties and candidates – are being proclaimed, debated and examined, as various media platforms become saturated and the public bombarded with myriad political messages.
To be sure, the manifesto is key in publicly expressing the intentions, motives, or views of its issuer.
As Kingdom citizens, we have our own manifesto. This Kingdom Manifesto was issued by our King Jesus in His first public sermon, found in Matthew 5-7. In this section of Scripture, commonly known as The Sermon on the Mount, Jesus provides His followers foundational instruction for Kingdom living.
A striking aspect of the opening section in Matthew 5:1-16 contains an evangelistic component for us followers of Jesus! Jesus pronounces blessing in the initial proclamations of His Manifesto – each blessing associated with a character trait:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they shall be called sons of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
– Matthew 5:3-10
As we strive to manifest these character traits as ambassadors of our King and ministers of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:17-21), godly conduct flowing out of godly character has the potential to powerfully impact those in our midst.
In Matthew 5:13 the Lord says we are “salt of the earth.” Salt was and still is a preservative. In a spiritual sense, our saltiness provides stability, preserving the world from the evil inherent in the society of ungodly men whose unredeemed natures are corrupted by sin (Psalm 14:3; Romans 8:8). Additionally, salt was and is a flavor enhancer. As we follow our King Jesus, we will enhance the flavor of life in this world and we will be the ‘spice of life,’ if you will; that spice being an influence of goodness and godliness in this world.
Jesus then states that we are the “light of world” in Matthew 5:14. Finally, our goal as beacons of light is to draw others to the Lord:
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
The presence of Christians’ light in the world penetrates the spiritual darkness, for a godly life provides a compelling testimony of the saving power of God, while glorifying Him in the process.
As Kingdom citizens, the evangelistic implication of living out this section of Jesus’ Kingdom Manifesto is potent. Being a change-agent for Christ is a reflection of God’s desire and design for you and I, which is to know Him and make Him known for His glory and for the building of His Kingdom. Amen!
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).