A question arises in my mind on arriving at this particular line in the Lord’s prayer – what kind of kingdom are we expecting and asking for? When I went looking for the answer, I was led to that much-avoided book, Revelation. And on reading chapters 19 to 22, I discovered that this line of the Lord’s prayer does not call for quiet mumbling and indifference – but a shout of joy and anticipation!
Revelation 19-21 gives two reasons to look forward to the coming of the Father’s kingdom:
1. Justice
Justice is something that our modern society cries out for on a regular basis: justice to come to murderers, thieves, paedophiles, and even the council when you trip on that broken slab…! The problem, of course, is that no-one is ever quite certain how to judge – each side looks for justice and comes to a different conclusion. But, upon the arrival of God’s kingdom, we meet with the only One capable of judging fairly and truthfully:
Revelation 19-21 gives two reasons to look forward to the coming of the Father’s kingdom:
1. Justice
Justice is something that our modern society cries out for on a regular basis: justice to come to murderers, thieves, paedophiles, and even the council when you trip on that broken slab…! The problem, of course, is that no-one is ever quite certain how to judge – each side looks for justice and comes to a different conclusion. But, upon the arrival of God’s kingdom, we meet with the only One capable of judging fairly and truthfully:
“Then I saw heaven open, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war…” Revelation 19:11
Christ’s appearance on earth, the Second Coming, is in faithfulness, truth and righteousness – but to make war?? As we read on, we see that God is making war against those who work against Him – and especially the dragon, Satan (20:1-10). God is bringing the justice that he currently held back to those who deserve justice – according to His unchanging Wisdom. This IS a reason to rejoice, for who could possibly accept a God who did not punish bad, or, even worse, punished indiscriminately? The mercy and the grace of God is found in His justice – it was because of this unshakable just God that Christ was needed, and that Christ came. When God’s kingdom comes, He will right all wrongs with just punishment.
2. Heaven
Revelation 21 is probably my favourite chapter in the Bible. Consider this glorious image of heaven:
“Now the dwelling place of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away...I am making everything new!” Revelation 21:3-5
Just imagine a world without this catalogue of suffering. Humans as they were meant to be, living with, for and through God, in a perfect and wonderful world created utterly anew. I can’t wait!
“But life is really difficult and it is hard to be joyful.”
What’s so amazing about these two Kingdom qualities is that we can rejoice in them even in our suffering. When facing injustices on both a personal and legal level, we can rejoice that God will bring justice; when facing the difficulties of a broken world, we can rejoice that another, better world is on its way – and our prayers for His Kingdom become fervent.
“But how can I rejoice when my friends don’t know Christ and will be condemned?”
Christ’s appearance on earth, the Second Coming, is in faithfulness, truth and righteousness – but to make war?? As we read on, we see that God is making war against those who work against Him – and especially the dragon, Satan (20:1-10). God is bringing the justice that he currently held back to those who deserve justice – according to His unchanging Wisdom. This IS a reason to rejoice, for who could possibly accept a God who did not punish bad, or, even worse, punished indiscriminately? The mercy and the grace of God is found in His justice – it was because of this unshakable just God that Christ was needed, and that Christ came. When God’s kingdom comes, He will right all wrongs with just punishment.
2. Heaven
Revelation 21 is probably my favourite chapter in the Bible. Consider this glorious image of heaven:
“Now the dwelling place of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away...I am making everything new!” Revelation 21:3-5
Just imagine a world without this catalogue of suffering. Humans as they were meant to be, living with, for and through God, in a perfect and wonderful world created utterly anew. I can’t wait!
“But life is really difficult and it is hard to be joyful.”
What’s so amazing about these two Kingdom qualities is that we can rejoice in them even in our suffering. When facing injustices on both a personal and legal level, we can rejoice that God will bring justice; when facing the difficulties of a broken world, we can rejoice that another, better world is on its way – and our prayers for His Kingdom become fervent.
“But how can I rejoice when my friends don’t know Christ and will be condemned?”
God’s judgement is not yet here, but it is certainly coming – as is His kingdom. It’s not just that you know they will be judged – you also know the route to freedom.
“The Spirit and the bride say, "Come!" And let him who hears say, "Come!" Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life.” Revelation 22:17
You have heard the Church and the Spirit say "Come", and you now hold the keys to a kingdom of glory, wonder and freedom. If there was ever inspiration for evangelism, this is it: you hold the truth in your hands, so echo their invitation! How I long for those I know to share in the majesty of being a child of God in the new Kingdom of my Almighty Father – so I will tell them!
1 comment:
Great post, Gems! I just read a book on the Lord's prayer called "57 Words that can change the world" by Darrell W. Johnson...I highly recommend it. Funnily, he also wrote a book called "Discipleship on the Edge" looking at his favorite book of the Bible...Revelation! So your post was particularly relevant to me as I've been pondering these things recently. Excellent writing and processing! I look forward to reading more. Luv ya!
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