When Jesus taught the disciples how to pray (Matthew 6:9-13), the Jews were under Roman rule. God had promised them a deliverer—the Messiah. A Jew praying, “May Your kingdom come soon” (v.10) would have had in mind the end of Roman rule, for the Messiah was to come and establish a new kingdom (Luke 19:11), and for David’s descendant to reign as king (2 Samuel 7:12-13; Luke 1:32-33). Today, “May Your kingdom come soon” means:
Commitment. Jesus warned, “Anyone who puts a hand to the plow and then looks back is not fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). The disciple must “seek the kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously” (Matthew 6:33). “May Your kingdom come soon” is a prayer of commitment to live for Jesus.
Commission. Jesus was sent to “preach the Good news of the kingdom of God” (Luke 4:43). The committed Christian knows that his commission is a co-mission with Jesus—“As the Father has sent Me, so I am sending you” (John 20:21). “May Your kingdom come” is a prayer for world evangelism, for God’s kingdom grows every time a person becomes a Christian (Matthew 21:31-32; Mark 1:15; Luke 16:16).
Coming. The coming of the kingdom is also a future event when Jesus will come again and establish His 1,000-year reign on earth (Daniel 2:44; Revelation 20:1-6). “May Your kingdom come” is a prayer for God’s plan to be fulfilled (Isaiah 14:24) and for Christ to be enthroned as King of kings (Matthew 25:31).
As we pray those words, we are asking Jesus to usher in the time when we will see Him face to face (Matthew 24:14).
More:
• Daniel 7:13-14
• Philippians 2:9-11
• Revelation 11:15-17
Next:
Jesus is coming back soon. How well are you prepared for His return? What can you do that will extend God’s kingdom?
ROSHAN on August 14, 2010 at 1:52 am
Dear Brother Kim,
What a marvellous Father we have!!! Your thoughts are very specific and meaningful. Commitment and commission is desired and expected by the Lord from humble servants like us. And after the work on earth, we await for the great coming of our mighty King.
Halleluiah always….
hello on August 14, 2010 at 10:20 am
I feel God is leading me with Holy Spirit, after i experienced God and He encountered my life recently.He showing me something that He wants me to see…I feel amazing…but dont know what to do with it after He shows me something. I feel I should do what He wants me to do to honor Him. Still a bit confuse…and need time to digest. I think He wants me to do something that able to build His kingdom…
Please pray for me…
hayakwah on August 14, 2010 at 1:36 pm
THE PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITY OF THE ONE WHO BEARS CHRIST’S NAME IS TO BUILD HIS KINDOM EITHER EVAGELIZING BY SPEECH OR LIVING THE GOSPEL LIFE.
GOD BLESS YOU FOR ALLOWING YOURSELF TO BE USED TO BLESS MY DAY
ROSHAN on August 14, 2010 at 11:56 pm
Dear Hello,
Keep praying on what God spoke or showed you about. He will certainly speak through the Bible. Do share it with us when you get the clear picture.