Matthew 6:10 KJV
[10] Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
The Context and Focus:
This is part of the sermon of Jesus on the mountain, and from the record of Matthew, there was no recorded breaks in the sermon from chapter 5 to 7. As is always the case, it is important to note who the audience of the message is, so I can determine just how much this relates to, or concerns me. The best way to define the audience is to go to the very beginning of the sermon, and you will find this piece: 'When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions. This is what he said:'. The ministry of Jesus was always drawing huge crowds, but there is a message for the crowd, and a message for those who are apprenticed to Jesus, and committed to Him. There is a different expectation for those who want to make the decision to climb with Jesus up the mountain, to the place where they can listen to instructions and be fully equipped for the service ahead. Don't forget that the crowd remained at the foot of the mountain. This is why the crowd is never the right way to measure God's approval. The crowd will always be there as long as there is something that catches and holds its attention. It could be miracles, or it could be prophecies; these are not bad in themselves, but there is a step that must accompany the signs and wonders, and it is to climb up the mountain to where Jesus is, sit with and listen to Him for guidance, instruction, leading and direction.
The Message:
Today's verse is for those who have climbed up the mountain, and have sat down with Jesus to listen to Him. Think about this: who else do we think that Jesus will be teaching about how to pray, if they are not already people who have a relationship with Him? The prayer of a sinner has already been established as an abomination in the sight of God, except that sinner is coming to Jesus in repentance from sin. John 9:31 says: 'Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth'. This prayer also starts with an acknowledgement of God as a Father whose heart of love shines out through all He does in and for us. Prayer is a fundamental fruit of a living, breathing and thriving relationship with God. It is a sign that I know and submit to the will of God, even if I do not always understand the WHY and the HOW behind the WHAT he wants me to do. This is why the verse above says: 'Thy kingdom come'. God's kingdom is one of authority and power, but as long as this earthly phase is in play, it is a kingdom that I have limited time to surrender to. I pray that his kingdom comes, but it only comes in the lives of those who know, love and follow Him. It is also a prayer that has both present and eternal ramifications, because a time is still coming when, either by freewill or compulsion, God's kingdom will be established without any room for resistance or opposition.
The Conclusion:
What am I doing right now to promote or establish God's kingdom on earth? What steps am I taking to promote His will? I must keep at the back of my mind that this present earthly phase is but for just a season, and a time comes when Revelation 11:15 declares that: '.....there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever'. That time is close. God's Will is not subject to negotiation or appeal in heaven, because the angels have no doubt who is in charge. Lucifer was once in the presence of God, yet due to rebellion or a sense of superiority, he lost his place. Human beings have been given the power of freewill and choice, and that power is both our greatest asset and our greatest risk. Jesus wants me to come and submit to Him of my own freewill, so he can reign and rule in my life, and He can impact my world for Himself. If the will of God is upheld and promoted in my life, the world will see the difference. I will speak, relate, love and generally live by standards the world may not be able to explain, but which will bring glory to God. As I wait for the fulfilment of the promise of eternity, I ask for grace to live in line with the purpose and the counsel of God for me. May He find joy in my life's pursuits and priorities, and may His will be my sole focus, so that others too may be attracted to the saving knowledge of Jesus. Time is short; the kingdom is in place and will soon manifest in full measure. God's time of favour is here.
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