Seek First the Kingdom: The Call to Covenant Alignment

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)

Yeshua’s words in the Sermon on the Mount are not a call to religious duty, but to covenant alignment. They are a summons to reorient our desires and reframe our priorities, not through anxiety over provision, but through faith in the One who reigns. The command to “seek first the kingdom” is an invitation to return to the rulership of the King who is both righteous and eternal—a priest-king after the order of Melchizedek. In Him, righteousness is not just a moral ideal; it is the very scepter of His throne (Hebrews 1:8).

This Kingdom is not of this world. It does not arise from politics or borders or institutions built by men. It begins within—written on the heart—and is governed not by legislation but by transformation. To seek it is to hunger for covenant fidelity. To thirst for His righteousness is to recognize that no other garment will clothe us in the presence of the King. Let us then explore what it means to seek first His Kingdom through the lens of the King of Righteousness, the Priest who mediates covenant not through animal blood, but through His own.

The Kingdom Defined: Government of the Righteous King

The word “kingdom” in the Greek (βασιλεία – basileia) means more than territory—it implies dominion, rule, and authority. To seek the Kingdom is to come under the rightful reign of the King, to recognize Him as Sovereign not just in title but in function. In a world that teaches us to seek security, wealth, relationships, and influence, Yeshua reverses the order: the Kingdom must come first, because the King must come first.

This Kingdom is not a democracy—it is a monarchy ruled by the One who was given “all authority in heaven and on earth” (Matthew 28:18). He rules not with an iron rod of oppression, but with a rod of righteousness. His Kingdom is the restoration of what was lost in Eden—the realm where God’s presence dwells among His people, where covenant is upheld, and where priesthood and kingship are joined in one Man.

Yeshua is not just announcing a kingdom; He is the embodiment of it. He is both the Messenger and the fulfillment. In His ministry, He inaugurated the reign of heaven on earth, calling men to repent—not merely to turn from sin, but to reorient toward covenant. And the righteousness He speaks of is not earned—it is imputed. It flows from His priesthood and is administered through His blood.

Melchizedek: The Hidden King of Righteousness

To understand the righteousness of the Kingdom, we must revisit a mysterious figure who appears briefly in Genesis and is exalted in Hebrews—Melchizedek. He is called melek-tsedek, “King of Righteousness,” and melek-shalem, “King of Peace.” He meets Abraham with bread and wine, blessing him in the name of El Elyon. He is a priest of God Most High—before Levi, before Sinai, before the golden calf, before the Book of the Law. His priesthood predates the imposed system that followed Israel’s disobedience. His is a royal priesthood, not inherited by bloodline, but declared by oath.

Psalm 110 prophesies that the Messiah will be “a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” This is a covenantal explosion. The King to come would not simply reign—He would intercede. He would not only rule with justice—He would reconcile. He would not offer bulls and goats—He would offer Himself. The New Covenant priesthood would not arise from Levi, but from Judah, from David’s line, confirmed by oath, and sealed by resurrection.

Hebrews 7 unveils the implications. Melchizedek is a shadow of Messiah, a type pointing forward to the true and eternal Priest-King. Yeshua, having no earthly priesthood, is not disqualified—He is supreme. “For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also a change of the law” (Hebrews 7:12). Not the abolishment of Torah, but the fulfillment of the Book of the Covenant and the setting aside of the imposed Book of the Law that came after transgression. The Kingdom comes not by tablets of stone, but by hearts of flesh, inscribed with the living Word.

Seek First: Covenant Loyalty Above All

Yeshua’s command to “seek first” is not about prioritizing religion. It is about loyalty. Covenant is not a contract to be referenced when convenient—it is a marriage vow to be upheld at all costs. To seek first the Kingdom means that His dominion governs every other pursuit. His righteousness becomes our standard, our covering, and our confidence.

This is not passive belief—it is active pursuit. It means filtering our decisions through the lens of the Kingdom. It means asking not “Is this good for me?” but “Is this loyal to the King?” It reorders our use of time, money, speech, and influence. It reframes suffering—not as loss, but as faithfulness. And it clarifies blessing—not as abundance, but as covenant alignment.

Yeshua follows His command with a promise: “all these things will be added to you.” The context is provision—food, clothing, daily need. The Gentiles chase after these things, and worry dominates their thoughts. But the children of the Kingdom know that the Father provides. His provision flows not from striving, but from trust. Righteousness is not the cost of blessing—it is the blessing. He adds all things not to fill our barns, but to sustain our purpose.

His Righteousness: Garments of the Priest-King

The righteousness of God is not moral perfection we earn—it is the covenant position we receive by faith. Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6). That same righteousness is now revealed apart from the law, testified by the Torah and the Prophets, and manifested through Messiah Yeshua to all who believe (Romans 3:21–22). It is a righteousness that justifies, sanctifies, and glorifies.

Yeshua’s righteousness is priestly in nature. He is clothed in white linen as High Priest, yet crowned with many diadems as King. His righteousness is not merely legal—it is relational. He intercedes for us with the blood of atonement, applying the covenant promises over us as garments that cannot be removed. He clothes us in His own obedience, covering our shame and empowering our walk.

This is why the Kingdom must be sought first—because without righteousness, no one will see YHWH (Hebrews 12:14). It is not optional. It is essential. But thanks be to God, we are not commanded to create it—only to receive it, wear it, and walk in it. Righteousness is not our offering to Him—it is His offering to us.

The Kingdom Within: A Royal Priesthood

Peter declares that we are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation (1 Peter 2:9). This is not poetry—it is identity. Under the New Covenant, sealed by the blood of Yeshua, the priesthood of Melchizedek is extended to His body. We are priests under our High Priest, called to minister not in temples made by hands, but in living altars of the heart.

To seek the Kingdom is to operate as covenant priests in a fallen world. It is to stand in the gap, offering intercession instead of accusation. It is to walk in righteousness, not as perfectionists, but as those made perfect in Him. It is to bear His Name, not in vain, but with glory. Our priesthood is not ceremonial—it is functional. We bless, we teach, we guard, we serve.

This priesthood requires purity—not by outward cleansing, but inward truth. It requires surrender—not of personality, but of sovereignty. And it requires allegiance—not to movements or tribes, but to the King of Righteousness. This is the path of the narrow gate, the road to life, the mystery of godliness.

All These Things Will Be Added

The promise Yeshua gives is not a prosperity gospel—it is a provision gospel. The Kingdom does not promise indulgence; it promises sufficiency. When we seek first His reign and His righteousness, the Father, who knows our needs before we ask, supplies from His storehouse. Our pursuit is upward; our provision is downward.

He adds what we need, when we need it—not to satisfy the flesh, but to equip the spirit. Sometimes He adds peace in trial, wisdom in conflict, strength in weakness. Sometimes He adds friends, mentors, or even correction. His additions are not random—they are relational. He knows what will shape us into covenant keepers, and He gives accordingly.

Therefore, we need not worry about tomorrow. Each day brings its own battle, but it also brings its own manna. The priesthood of Melchizedek is not anxious—it is anchored. It trusts the Father’s goodness and walks in the Son’s righteousness. It is not distracted by what others chase. It has eyes only for the Kingdom.

Let the call be clear: Seek first. Not second. Not when convenient. Not in part. Not only on Sabbaths or in trial. Seek first—because the King reigns now. Because the priesthood is active now. Because the Kingdom is at hand, not far off. His scepter is extended, and the invitation is open.

Come under the reign of the King of Righteousness. Wear His garments. Walk as a royal priest. And know that in seeking Him, you will lack no good thing.

Heavenly Father, I come before You with a heart full of gratitude, seeking Your kingdom and Your righteousness above all else. Guide my steps today, and help me to keep my focus on You in every moment. Thank You for Your constant presence and for leading me on the path of faithfulness. May my thoughts, words, and actions reflect Your love and truth. In Jesus' name, Amen.