Today, in the Daily Devotional for April 11, “The First Priority,” we look at the bridge between a miracle and a mission.
The First Priority – Daily Devotional for April 11
“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.'” – Mark 16:15 (NIV)
The Persistence of Unbelief
In Mark 16:9–15, we see a recurring theme. Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene, then to two disciples, and finally to the Eleven. In each instance, those who heard the news struggled to believe it. Even after years of walking with Jesus, their hearts were “stubborn” (v. 14).
Why is this important? It shows us that belief is not just a one-time event; it is a daily refocusing.
Seeking the Kingdom First
You asked why this text matters in light of Jesus’ command to “seek first the Kingdom of Heaven.” The connection is vital. Seeking the Kingdom means prioritizing God’s reign and His agenda above our own.
In Mark 16, Jesus rebuked their unbelief not just to correct them, but to prepare them. He immediately followed the rebuke with the Great Commission: “Go into all the world.”
You cannot seek the Kingdom first while staying locked in the room of your own doubts. Seeking the Kingdom requires movement. It means taking the reality of the risen Christ and making it the lens through which you see every other part of your day.
The “Why” Behind the Work
The Resurrection is the “why” that fuels the “how.” We seek the Kingdom first because the King has already won.
- If Jesus is dead, the Kingdom is just a nice philosophy.
- If Jesus is risen, the Kingdom is the only thing that actually lasts.
When we prioritize the Kingdom, our “to-do” lists, our worries, and our goals begin to align with His eternal purposes. We stop living for ourselves and start living as witnesses of the King.
Devotional for every day: Daily Devotional
Prayer for Today
Heavenly Father, forgive me for the times I have prioritized my own worries over Your Kingdom. I believe that Jesus is alive. Today, I choose to seek Your reign first. Help me to move past my doubts and into the mission You have for me. Give me the courage to be a witness in my words and my actions. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
To You
Take a look at your schedule for the rest of the day. Ask yourself: “How can I seek the Kingdom in this meeting, this conversation, or this chore?” Choose one specific task and do it as if you were serving the King directly.
