SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH DEVOTIONAL FOR CHILDREN: “The Keys Of The Kingdom”

By NewsTrack Nigeria
October 18, 2021

*DAILY BREAD: A DEVOTIONAL FOR THE CHILDREN*

Eastern Nigeria Union Conference Children’s Ministries Department

*THEME: I WILL GO*

Monday, October 18, 2021

Topic: The Keys of the Kingdom

“ _I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” Matthew 16:19_

Jesus told His disciples they would be given the keys of the kingdom. Amazing! When you are given the keys to someone’s house, it means you have access to all the resources that are locked within—and you are responsible to take care of them.
It’s interesting that, just before this, Jesus told his disciples that the gates of hell will not be able to stand against the building up of the church. What does that mean?

Jesus wants us to know that His kingdom resources of love, generosity, forgiveness, peace, kindness, and more are available for us to use as He builds His church in this world. As we use these good things on earth, no evil force can withstand their power.

Jesus also wants us to know that as we freely use these resources on earth, the powers of good will be loosed in heaven and poured out on earth. But if we restrict their use on earth and do not freely share them, they will also be held back in heaven.
May the kingdom of heaven be on earth as it is in heaven.

We have been given the keys to the resources of heaven. How thrilling! And what great responsibility! How will you use them today?

*Song*
The wise may bring their learning,
The rich may bring their wealth,
And some may bring their brilliance,
And some bring strength and health;
We too, would bring our treasures
To offer to the King;
We have no gifts deserving:
What shall we children bring?

We’ll come and show the Savior
The things we do each day;
We’ll try our best to please Him
At home, at school or play:
And better are these treasures
To offer to our King,
Than richest gifts without them:
Yet these a child may bring.

*Prayer*
Lord, thank you for the keys of the kingdom. May I be a generous steward of your resources. Help me today to carry out acts of kindness, love, forgiveness, patience, and goodness—by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit in Jesus name. Amen.