Awesome God of wonder, bless and protect the life and journey of this dear reader; in Christ Jesus I pray, amen.
Our conversation about The Lord's Prayer Continues with this part, "Thy Kingdom come..." (Matthew 6:10 KJV).
One of my professors of Old Testament said over and again, "We who don't live in monarchies can never understand the place a king holds in the life of his subjects." I don't know about you, but I am thankful I don't live in one. I enjoy reading about the "fun" our English "cousins" have with their queen. In our lifetime she has been the queen and it doesn't seem like Charles will get to be king. I know this just upsets you to no end! But let's talk about God's kingdom. It was established and it is run by God. As in early earthly kingdoms, the king has absolute rule, for the king has charge over the wellbeing and lives of his subjects. Those who are subjects have pledged their loyalty to the crown, for they know that their king has their best interests (or should have) at heart. For Jesus, there was no question about the idea of a kingdom, for Jesus knew the goodness and blessing of God as should we. In the prayer we are in a way, pledging our loyalty to God, we have approached God as Father, we recognize and worship God's Name as holy, and now we are hoping that God's kingdom would come in us. A question that troubles many an American is to ask if we are Americans first or Christians first. Many say Americans. Take away America and where does that leave us? When time ends and the earth is not like it was as the Bible says, where will America or Americans be? We are citizens of Heaven, subjects of God's kingdom, the one that will never end nor be displaced. It is not a geographical location nor one set by boundaries; it lies within those hearts who invite it and receive for their lives.
This does not mean we don't pay taxes here and now, nor does it mean the laws of the earth or city do not apply to us. Keep reading the Bible, there's sections in there about that too, but receive the good news, we are children of the King! The King who desires the best for your life now and in the hereafter.
PRAYER: Loving God, may the realization that I am Yours and invited to live with you stay with me and in my heart as I pray, "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed by thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power and the glory, forever and ever." Amen.
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord!
Eradio Valverde
