Thy Kingdom come…

Every time we say our Lord's prayer, we say the phrase 'Thy Kingdom Come' without batting an eyelid!  Somehow we feel it is a future event.  We think it points to the millennial rule of Christ at the end of times.  We have to look forward to the millennial reign, but it is not what Jesus meant when he taught us to pray using this phrase.  Jesus took great trouble to teach His disciples and us the fundamental nature of His Kingdom through many illustrations, parables, and allegories (Mt.13:31-33).  Unless we understand what 'His Kingdom' means, we cannot understand what Jesus was trying to teach us.

Then the Kingdom of God is nothing but the 'rule of God.' Whenever we say 'Thy Kingdom Come,' we mean, ' may God's rule come now in my hearts, minds, and lives.'

So then, why did Jesus teach us to pray like this?  We see Jesus illustrate the growth of His Kingdom through the parables of the mustard seed and yeast.  Both these parables denote small beginnings that transform into significant results.  The tiny seed grows daily and grows into a big tree that shelters even birds.  The yeast, present in a small quantity in the beginning, permeates and transforms the whole batch of flour.  In both these illustrations, we see a small beginning, growing daily, leading to a complete transformation!  This is how the rule of Christ has to grow in our lives.  When we get saved, that is the small beginning.  But then it has to grow daily as we submit ourselves more and more to God's Word and His will resulting in a transformed life.  When we accept the 'rule of Christ' in our lives, it is like sitting in a car with Jesus at the wheel.  We will have to go where He takes us!  Jesus will be in control of our lives.  It cannot happen in a day.  It is a process.  It is something we have to desire; it is an attitude and a lifestyle leading to sanctification.

My friend, today let us look within our hearts and see whether the 'Kingdom of God' is active within us now.  The Kingdom of God is where God reigns.  The question is, is Christ the Lord of our lives?  May the Lord be our helper always!

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