“Thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven” Matthew 6:10.
As we come to the second phrase of the prayer Jesus taught us to pray, I have to confess that at first it is a real head scratcher. It seems like a prayer flying in the face of reality – a prayer that we don’t expect to be answered any time soon. We know for sure that the full reign of God will happen at the end of recorded time – we don’t doubt that heaven knows the full authority and peace of God. But for now, the prince of this world holds sway – the world, flesh, and devil are conspiring together all the time. The roaring lion is always seeking whom he may devour. And I ask God – why don’t you show yourself in power more often??
My picture is of the world as the freight train booming through town while the church is on a little hand cart squeaking along the tracks.
Part of Jesus’ mission was to proclaim the Kingdom of God. He preached this all through his public ministry but at his trial he said to Pilate: “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jews. But now my kingdom is from another place.” John 18:36. He did not come to set up an earthly kingdom – that will be consummated in the future. This was a rub with the disciples all through their time with Him – they wanted a power encounter where Rome would be banished. We His people pray this prayer of anticipation – that the full rule of God yet to come will be lived out in our own lives.
For in the end, where do we have influence regarding the reign of God? In our own lives. “Lord, be the ruler in my heart – build your kingdom using me as a brick in that kingdom wall.” Jesus said: “The kingdom of God does not come visibly, nor will people say, ‘here it is, or there it is’ because the kingdom of God is within you.” Luke 17:20,21. We His disciples submit our will to His will and purpose – we let Him build His kingdom with us! We are living out the reign of Christ in our own life – in our church – and looking forward to the day of His full reign.
So, pray this aspirational prayer with submission and trust. Be the answer to your own prayer!
Have a listen to this wonderful song and be encouraged about the reign and rule of God: Is He Worthy?
Pastor Leon Throness
