Thy Kingdom Come

Thy Kingdom Come...

Matthew 6:10

A king’s kingdom has two aspects. There is the actual territory over which he reigns as well as the activity of his reign. When Jesus teaches us to pray, “Thy Kingdom Come,” he has in mind both aspects of God’s kingdom. We are to pray for God’s kingdom to be actualized here on earth as it is in heaven. In other words, we are to pray for Christ’s return and the establishment of his kingdom here on earth -- “Come, Lord Jesus, come quickly” (Rev. 22:20). Also, we are to pray for the activity of the Lord Jesus’ reign to be realized in the hearts and lives of men and women. We pray that our hearts and minds will be found in submission to the reign of the all glorious king, the Lord Jesus Christ. But we don’t just pray this for ourselves. We pray it for all men and women. We pray that Christ’s kingdom will come in such a way that all men and women will submit to his reign. 

What does this reign of Christ look like? It is a reign of both grace and glory. It is possessed in the following characteristics: the completion of all that is good, communion with God, sweet communion with all the saints, incomprehensible joy, honor and dignity, blessed rest and eternal life. 

As you pray today, focus your attention on the kingdom of God. Pray for it to come. Pray that God will bring it both physically and spiritually. Examine your life and see if you are indeed submitting to the active reign of Christ. Has the kingdom of Christ impacted your life? Does your life reflect your place in God’s kingdom? If it doesn’t repent and seek the grace of Christ and his kingdom. Pray that others will come to know the blessings of life with the king. Pray that God will use you to further extend his kingdom. Pray that he will use you to be an agent of his reign. Plead with God for the return of Christ Jesus. Plead with God for the souls of men.

Helpful Bible Passages:

Hebrews 2:5-18

Revelation 21-22

Psalm 2

CHD