Thy Kingdom Come ...


Today, we take one more step in our journey through the Lord’s Prayer.  This week, we explore the second petition, “Thy Kingdom Come.”

When we pray, “Thy Kingdom Come,” what are we asking?  Well, the catechism reminds us that God’s Kingdom will come without our prayer.  But we pray that it would come also to us.  So when does God’s Kingdom come?  Again, the catechism gives a simple but profound answer: “God’s Kingdom comes when our heavenly Father gives us his Holy Spirit, so that by his grace we believe his holy Word and live a godly life on earth now and in heaven forever.”

In our text for this Sunday (Acts 1:6-14), the risen Lord Jesus has just spent 40 days with his disciples following his resurrection.  And they ask if he will now restore the kingdom to Israel.  But instead of bringing political power to his followers, he promises instead to send the Holy Spirit, which will empower them to be witnesses.  Witnesses to the power of Christ.  Not political power.  Not economic power.  But power over sin, death, and despair.

This is the nature of God’s kingdom.  It does not triumph by sword or raw physical strength.  It triumphs through selfless love.

Right now, I believe selfless love looks like this: keeping our distance from one another.  Showing the world that church is more than just hanging out in some building together once a week.  Claiming the truth that God’s Word speaks forgiveness and love into our lives even while we are apart.  It may seem a small thing to believe God’s Word and live a godly life.  But the catechism reminds us that these things are the principle sign that God’s Kingdom is among us.  Even the worst pandemic in over a century cannot keep God's Kingdom from coming.  And it will come among you, too, by God!

Savor that, my friends in Christ.  And may God strengthen you for this leg of the journey.

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