April 2007: Thy Kingdom Come

When Jesus was teaching His disciples how to pray (Matt 6:9-13; Luke 11:1-4) one of the key phrases and declarations they should make was "Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven."

We talk and hear about “The Kingdom” but have we taken the time to really consider what it is, how it is established and what its purpose is and our part to play? Indeed, these points would take more time and space than this Reflection permits but let’s make a start.

What is The Kingdom?

The Kingdom is the King’s domain; the dwelling place of the King. Our King of course is Christ Jesus. The Kingdom of God is where the lifestyle of the King is in operation: righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost (Romans 14:17). It is where the citizens aim to be totally selfless, being just like Jesus. The Kingdom of God is a safe place from the enemy. Yes, the King and His citizens come under attack day and night but such is the power of our King that we are kept safe. Psalms 91.

The Kingdom of God is the realm where its citizens must be prepared to surrender all arms, bow the knee and swear allegiance to the King of kings and Lord of lords – that their life is no longer their own. Their one desire is to do the will of God – to please Him, promote His Kingdom, do His bidding, receive His approval, just to love Him and be loved in return. The Kingdom of God is where the citizens care for one another in love. When disagreements and offences do arise, forgiveness is extended whether requested or seen as necessary or not.

How is God’s Will Done?

The Kingdom of God is separate from the world. In fact, it works on a complete opposite trend e.g. in the world, for you to get ahead in life you must promote yourself, “blow your own trumpet”, grab what you can for yourself and be proud about it. However, in the Kingdom of God, we are to do nothing through strife or vainglory (pride, conceit), but rather in lowliness of mind (humility) we are to esteem each other better than ourselves. We are to be concerned not just with what we can acquire for ourselves and our own families but we are to make sure that other citizens of the Kingdom of God are sufficiently catered for too (Philippians 2:3-4).

Wow! What a turnaround and it is a conscious decision we must make daily, in fact momentarily, to live as true citizens of the Kingdom of God. This conscious decision-making is done in the private places – our own hearts and thoughts and in our relationships at home, work.

There is no need for us to deceive ourselves and fulfil any area of public ministry if, in the privacy of our own homes, we are not willing to have the Kingdom of God established and promoted in our personal relationships. There is no need to make a show of spirituality if within our hearts we are not concerned about those things that contradict the lifestyle of the King for “the Kingdom of God is not meat and drink but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost” (Romans 14:17). There is such a restful place enjoying the Kingdom. In spite of any situations we may be facing, we are still empowered to walk in righteousness, to experience the peace of God and to fully have the joy of the Holy Ghost. As true citizens of the Kingdom of God, we can never be satisfied unless we know we are fulfilling the Will of God and anything within us that contradicts righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Ghost needs to be dealt with by the Word of God.

Thy Kingdom come, Thy Will Be Done On Earth As It Is In Heaven – it is inconceivable to think of God’s Will being disputed in heaven or not being accomplished there. Likewise, it is to be the same in each of our lives – inconceivable that God’s will is not wrought fully in and through us, in ANY aspect. As we do the will of God, we ensure that God’s Kingdom is promoted, built, reinforced to make sure that any attack against it bounces off and does not make such an impact that lives are forfeited.

Fellow-citizens, be encouraged that wherever we are, whoever we are with and whatever situation we are in, we have the responsibility, right and privilege to ensure that the Kingdom of God is established and manifested.

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“Reprinted/Copied/Distributed with the permission of:

Rev Marjorielyn R Campbell