THY KINGDOM COME

In the model prayer of Matthew 6, one petition was "Thy kingdom come." The Jews of that time were looking for a Messiah to come and bring back the glory days of David and Solomon. They longed to be a powerful nation among the nations of men once again and the prophets had prophesied of a time in which the Lord would establish a mighty kingdom. Even the apostles looked for this to happen for they questioned the Lord, "Will thou at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" Many people of the present time also look for an earthly kingdom to be established with Jerusalem the central city and Jesus sitting on his throne there.

Jesus taught that his kingdom would be a spiritual kingdom. Pilate was concerned about the report that Jesus was king of the Jews so he questioned him about it. Jesus told Pilate, "... My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should notbe delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence" (John 18:36). The prophet had told in prophetic language that the Lord would establish a kingdom but that kingdom would not be advanced by physical warfare. "And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more" (Isaiah 2:4).

So this is the way it would happen. Jesus would end his personal advent on earth on the cross, he would arise from the dead and ascend into heaven where he would be seated on David's throne. This would be a heavenly throne where he would be made Lord and Christ; king of all kings and Lord of all Lords. (Read Acts 2:29-36) People of earth would prepare themselves for an eternal reign with Christ in heaven by being born of water and the Spirit (John 3:5). The rulership, the sovereignty, the kingdom of Christ will be in our hearts. (Luke 17:21) "Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you." "That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love" (Ephesians 3:17).

"There is one hope" (Ephesians 4:4) My hope is that I shall enthrone Christ is my heart here so that I may dwell with him in his heavenly home after a while.

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