Matthew 6:5–15 ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.’ (vv9b–10)
We now turn from God’s Word to God’s will, starting with the Lord’s Prayer. This was Jesus’ response to His disciples’ request (Luke 11:1), the only prayer Jesus gave His followers. It is at the heart of my daily devotions and I pray these words of Jesus several times a day. God’s kingdom is the full expression of God’s will, and we invite it into our broken world. This raises critical questions since, whilst we live in a world redeemed through Christ’s work on the cross, we still await His return and the full expression of God’s kingdom. We live in the squeeze where two kingdoms collide.
We see wonderful answers to prayer, as well as see loved ones struggle. One thing is clear, the pain of those caught in this kingdom collision will enter into glory with God. Learning how to handle this tension daily challenges our faith to its roots. Perhaps that’s its purpose? Are we invited to consider where we will take our stand in this conflict? It demands we go in search of God’s kingdom of light among the debris of collapsing dreams whilst our eyes mist up with tears, and our hearts embrace, yet endure, great sadness. Such lives present an immeasurable testimony to all of creation of our faithfulness as we look for the approach of our returning Saviour.
Scripture to consider: 1 Chron. 16:31–36; 29:10–15; Matt. 6:31–34; Rev. 21:1–8.
An action to take: How well are you able to manage the squeeze between what is and what is yet to be? The future is always on the cusp of present reality. This is our challenge.
A prayer to make: ‘Lord, may Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.’
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