Has the request that Jesus instructed his followers to pray of “Your kingdom come” been forgotten? In other words, do we pray it but not mean it? Or not believe that it’s possible in this world where it appears Satan reigns?
In many regards, it appears the church has given up or resigned to join the world under the premise, “If we can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.”
Shortly after “Your kingdom come,” we pray, “on earth as it is in heaven.” Heaven will not compromise. Heaven will not be changed to appear like this world so that sinners will feel more welcome there. As a matter of fact, before we will be able to reside in heaven, God will first have to make us like Christ – that is the price of admission.
Just as the temple that Solomon built was a replica of the temple that currently resides in heaven, we are called to be replicas of the current citizens of heaven. The prayer Jesus taught is for God to re-create what is going on in heaven here on earth, which is what the prayer of “Your kingdom come” means on an individual level.
Some years back I went to Peru on a mission trip. There were many things I liked about Peru, but the thing I liked best was a very vain thing. The average height for men in Peru is 5’4”. At my 5’6” (and 3/4, almost 5’7”) it was the first time in my life that I stood taller than most men. More than the height difference, my skin and hair color made me stick out like a sore thumb. It was easily assumed that I was not a citizen of Peru.
Similarly, we Christians are supposed to stand out in the world in which we live. We are in the world but called to live in such a way that our citizenship is called into question. Paul sums it up nicely in Philippians 3:17-20 –
Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things. For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.
If we live with our minds set on earthly things our actions will follow and we will appear of this world, however, if we live with our minds set on heavenly things, kingdom things, it will be evident to others that though we are living in this world, our citizenship lies elsewhere.
Brothers and sisters, let us never neglect to pray, “Your kingdom come,” and understand that the kingdom of God being established on this earth “as it is in heaven” begins in our hearts and is then made manifest through our words and deeds.
Much love,
Wes LeFlore (918) 607-8489 or huskerwes1@gmail.com
