Jesus continued to teach the Lord’s Prayer saying from Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 11:2-4:
Thy kingdom come
What did Jesus mean by this statement in the Lord’s Prayer? To understand it, we must first know what God’s kingdom is; what it stands for; and what are its characteristics? The statement is a passionate request to God to let us experience the ambience of heaven or what goes on in heaven or what life in heaven looks like. What is in heaven that Jesus wants us to experience on earth?
In heaven, God reigns as the supreme commander and the only ruler. Jesus wants us to reverence and observe that fact on earth. God is not rivaled in heaven and so must it be on earth. We cannot serve or acknowledge any other god besides God, Matthew 4:10; 6:24. God’s unique position makes him a Jealous God, Exodus 20:5; 34:14; Deuteronomy 4:36. We cannot serve God and mammon, Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13.
Humility is the order in heaven irrespective of one’s position, Matthew 20:28. Jesus did not count it equal with God though he was in the form of God, Philippians 2:6. Life in heaven is a selflessness one. Jesus said I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance, Luke 5:32. Heavenly culture includes a life of sacrifice so Jesus found it joyful to leave his heavenly throne to die for our sins. Jesus came that we may have life, and have it abundantly if we obey him as it is in heaven, John 10:10.
The culture in heaven is absolute obedience and discipline. It is full of love, John 13:34; John 15:12. Jesus said, as the father has loved me, so have I loved you; abide in my love, John 15:9. Love is the greatest gift among faith, hope, and love, 1 Corinthians 13:13.
In heaven there is absolute peace, tranquility and order. Jesus said my peace I leave with you; not as the world gives do I give you, John 14:27. There is absolute faith and trust in God, Hebrews 11:6. Jesus himself was faithful, Hebrews 10:23. There is no vengeance in heaven. God says vengeance is mine, Deuteronomy 32:25. In heaven, we strive for perfection in Christ Jesus, Matthew 5:38-48.
It takes hard work and sacrifice to taste heaven on earth. Jesus said if any man would come after him, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow him, Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23. Jesus said he who does not take his cross and follow me is not worthy of me, Matthew 10:38. How can God’s kingdom dwell among us when we are not ready to live the culture of heaven?
These and many more reflect the culture in heaven and that is what Jesus wants us to focus on in the Lord’s Prayer rather than merely repeating empty words. Are we ready to apply these divine principles to our lives in order to experience God’s kingdom among us on earth as Jesus desired.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, let us experience the presence of your kingdom in our daily lives so that we may apply wisdom to our days in your precious name, Amen!!!
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