Castles, Cathedrals, and the Kingdom of God

We enjoy visiting different castles and cathedrals here in Spain and other parts of Europe. Our favorite cathedral is Notre Dame in Paris, but the cathedrals in Sevilla, and Barcelona, Spain are also really interesting. We have seen castles in Ireland, Scotland, France, Belgium, and Spain, varying from different times in history. Some of the castles in Spain date back to Moorish times.Our favorite castles usually consist of only the ruins from the past and we can picture in our imaginations how they might have been at one time. Lately visiting castles and cathedrals has caused me to think about the kingdom of God. We don’t need to live in a castle to recognize God’s enormous blessings for each of us. (Besides – most castles seem to be a bit drafty.J) We don’t need to worship in a beautiful cathedral to really be able to worship God in spirit and in truth.We do need to set our minds on things above and put His kingdom first in our lives.

Matthew 6:33 “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

Luke 12:31 “But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well.”

The “things” that will be given is a reference to food and clothing and basic needs that God will provide for us. These verses follow others that are encouraging us not to worry, but to focus on His kingdom.

Daniel 4:3b “His kingdom is an eternal kingdom…”

We are told to pray as in Matthew 6:10 “your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

Matthew 13:44-46 “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.”

We humankind often focus on the “castles and cathedrals” of this world, but these verses are reminding us that the kingdom of God is worth far more than we could ever have. Are we willing to “sell everything we have” in order to be focused on what is most important?