Keys to the Kingdom

Keys to the Kingdom Reading: Matthew 16:19, Matthew 18:18-20

Matthew 16:19 - And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.”

Matthew 18:18-20 - “Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.“Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them.”

Devotional: Jesus speaks of giving His followers the "keys of the kingdom of heaven." This imagery suggests authority and access. As kingdom citizens, we have been entrusted with the privilege and responsibility of representing God's kingdom on earth.

The concepts of "binding" and "loosing" speak to our alignment with God's will. We're not dictating to heaven, but rather discerning and declaring God's will on earth. This requires intimate communion with God, sensitivity to His Spirit, and a deep knowledge of His Word.

Today, ponder the weight of this responsibility. How can you better steward the authority God has given you? Spend time in prayer, asking for wisdom to use the "keys of the kingdom" in accordance with God's will, bringing His reign into the situations and relationships around you.