Praying for Christs Rule Email Share Smaller Font Larger Font Thy kingdom come (Matt. 6:10). When we hear the word kingdom we tend to think of medieval castles, kings, knights, and the like. But kingdom in Matthew 6:10 translates a Greek word that means rule or reign. We could translate the phrase, Thy reign come. That gives a clearer sense of what Christ meant. He prayed that Gods rule would be as apparent on earth as it is in heaven. Gods kingdom was the central issue in Christs ministry. He proclaimed the gospel of the kingdom (Matt. 4:23) and instructed His followers to make the kingdom a priority in their own lives (Matt. 6:33). He told parables about its character and value (Matt. 13) and indicted the scribes and Pharisees for hindering those who sought to enter it (Matt. 23:13). After His death and resurrection, He appeared for forty days giving the disciples further instruction about the kingdom (Acts 1:2-3). When we pray Thy kingdom come, we are praying for Christs sovereign rule to be as established on earth as it is in heaven. In one sense the kingdom is already here--in the hearts of believers. It consists of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom. 14:17). But in another sense the kingdom is yet future. In Luke 17:21 Jesus says, Behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst (cf. John 18:36). Their King was present but they rejected Him. Someday He will return again to establish His kingdom on earth and personally reign over it. Thats the aspect of the kingdom we pray for in Matthew 6:10. Sin and rebellion are now rampant, but when Christs kingdom comes, they will be done away with (Rev. 20:7-9). In the meantime, the work of the kingdom continues and you have the privilege of promoting it through your prayers and faithful ministry. Take every opportunity to do so today and rejoice in the assurance that Christ will someday reign in victory and will be glorified for all eternity. Suggestions for Prayer: Praise God for the glorious future that awaits you and all believers. Pray with anticipation for the coming of Christs eternal kingdom. For Further Study: Read Matthew 13:1-52. What parables did Jesus use to instruct His disciples about the kingdom of heaven? From Drawing Near by John MacArthur Copyright © 1993. Used by permission of Crossway Books, a division of Good News Publishers, Wheaton, IL 60187, crossway. Go to top
Posted on: Tue, 18 Mar 2014 11:02:25 +0000
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