THIS IS TABLE ROCK FELLOWSHIP – PASTOR RYAN LADEN
Again, we read the prayer given to us by Jesus Christ:
“This, then, is how you should pray: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation (time of trial), but deliver us from the evil one.’”
Matthew 6:9-13 NIV-11
(“time of trial” added by Ryan Laden)
Kingdom
In our time of personal study today we are going to look closer at the meaning of verse 10 which says, “your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”
The “kingdom that is to come on earth as it is in heaven” is not a concrete subject that lends itself to dogmatic definitions. Jesus Christ himself spoke of the “kingdom of God” or the “kingdom of heaven” in lots of different ways.
References
In some situations he spoke of the kingdom as though it were immanent, coming into the world with his ministry and work. On other occasions he spoke of the kingdom of God as that which will be put into place at the end of all things.
In the following passage, Jesus challenged the idea that the true kingdom of God could ever be defined or observed as he said:
“Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, 21 nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.””
Paradoxical
It would appear that the Lord wanted his people to see that the kingdom of God was not of this world but it was to be found at work in the people of faith as they lived out their lives in this world. It is both present and not yet.
In this way the kingdom of God, and by extension the will of God, exist in a paradoxical state.
We are to pursue the will of God in this life with all abandon, but the will of God cannot be obtained, owned, or held in our hands.
We are to value the kingdom of God over all else, but it is not a place or a substance that we can ever truly take possession of in this life. But it is the chief desire of those led by the Spirit of God, worthy of great sacrifice.
What to Pray?
So, what does it mean for you and I to pray that the kingdom of God might come into being here on earth as it is in heaven?
How are we to put this message into effect in our walk with God?
Consider the message of the following passages taken from the teachings of the Apostle Paul:
“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.”
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
If we were to do all things in such a way that we could give them to the Lord as worship, would this be in line with the call to pray for the will and kingdom of God to become manifest in us as we live our lives?
If we could commit our words and deeds to the Lord and allow him to work in us for his ends and his glory, would this not be the coming of the kingdom in our lives and in our hearts?
Are you prepared to pray this prayer?
Are you ready to lay down your version of the kingdom and receive the only one that truly exists, the kingdom of heaven?
Consider these words as you move through your day today:
Do it all for the glory of God.
In Christ,
Ryan Laden
OUR MISSION AS A CHURCH
“TO ENCOURAGE AND EQUIP EACH OTHER IN LOVE TO KNOW JESUS AND MAKE HIM KNOWN”
CONTACT INFO
- (541) 245-2612
- Answers@TableRockFellowship.com
- 3610 N Pacific Hwy
Medford Oregon 97501
DINING WITH JESUS PRODUCTIONS 
You must be logged in to post a comment.