Let me ask you this question. What quality is God seeking in the firstfruits who will reign with Christ for 1,000 years? (Revelation 20:4)

When we stop and reflect, there are many qualities God could instantly bestow upon us if He chose. He could give the greatest intelligence, unmatched beauty, perfect skill, or limitless wisdom. In fact, Scripture tells us that He created an anointed cherub with such dazzling qualities (Ezekiel 28:13–17).

But there is one quality that cannot be embedded into a free moral agent in an instant. It must be formed in us over time, shaped into our character through God’s Spirit. And without it, no one will enter the Kingdom of God.

Jesus made this clear when His disciples asked Him, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” (Matthew 18:1). In response, Jesus called a small child to Himself, set the child before them, and said:

“Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3–4)

The lesson is unmistakable! Greatness in God’s Kingdom is not measured by ambition, brilliance, or ability, but by humility. (Luke 22:27) A child does not compete for power or strive for status; instead, a child demonstrates trust, dependence, and a readiness to be taught.

This is the quality God he desires, the humility to yield, to submit, and to serve. This is the character trait required for those who will live and reign with Christ.

Jesus confirmed this again in the Beatitudes. Twice He tied humility to the promise of rulership:

• “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3)
• “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” (Matthew 5:5)

The poor in spirit are those who recognize their utter dependence on God, and the meek are those who restrain their own will and power in submission to His. Together, these qualities point us back to humility and to being able to enter into God’s Kingdom and eternal life.

As we approach the Feast of Tabernacles, a time of training to serve as royal priests in the world to come, we need not worry about lacking skills, intelligence, or talents. God can supply those instantly when the time comes. What cannot be given instantly, what requires our commitment and God’s Spirit working within us, is the permanent quality of humility.

I hope everyone has a wonderful Sabbath and a meaningful Feast of Trumpets