Choosing the Kingdom That Lasts

Choosing the Kingdom That Lasts encourages you to look beyond earthly power and pursue God’s eternal Kingdom with a devoted heart.

“Jesus said to them, ‘Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.’ And they marveled at Him” (Mark 12:17).

By the force of his personality and will, Julius Caesar transformed Rome. A brilliant military commander, he led armies in unprecedented conquests, extending the territory of Roman rule. Historian Christian Meier comments that Caesar was effective because he acted energetically and “never lost sight of the wider context.”

In January of 49 BC, violating tradition and precedent, he led his forces into Italian territory, thus inaugurating a civil war. After a campaign that included battles from Spain to Egypt, he became a dictator, ending the Roman Republic. As he consolidated power, he began a series of reforms and planned additional campaigns to extend the empire.

However, on this day in 44 BC, he was assassinated in Rome’s Senate House. It was the Ides of March, a day made famous through William Shakespeare’s play about Caesar. Along his path to dominance, he had alienated too many people. In the end, even some of his closest allies and friends joined the assassination conspiracy.

Jesus had a unique perspective on Caesar and his successors. While men like Caesar clamored for power on earth, Jesus knew something else was more important: the Kingdom of God. Many will spend their lives pursuing the riches, powers, and pleasures of this world, but others will seek God’s Kingdom and His eternal rewards. The choice is ours.

Dedicate yourself to seeking God’s Kingdom. In eternity, nothing else will matter.

Reflection Question: What helps you keep your focus on God’s Kingdom each day?