“Your kingdom come…” (Matthew 6:14).
One of the ancients observed that God “…has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end” (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
(Actually it was a divine inspiration rather than observation…).
What is eternity?
Is it “absence of time” & and all the limitations that come with living constrained by time? Or is it “absence of space” & and all the limitations that come with living constrained by space?
Jesus promised to his followers (past, present and future) eternal life. He said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes has eternal life” (Jn 6:47).
If I am to live forever, it better be a good life.
Eternal life “better be” better than what we live here and now, even without being constrained by time and space.
The kingdom of God is God being king, his sovereignty, his control of his world and its affairs. The kingdom’s presence was made visible in Jesus and his ministry. Jesus’ first proclamation at the very beginning of his public ministry was, “The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe the good news” (Mark 1:15).
The New Testament is the book that contains the beginning of the fulfillment of all God’s promises – the start of God’s complete and final sovereignty over is creation. A Saviour has been given; sins have been dealt with; a new covenant was put in place; the Spirit has been poured out; a community of God’s people has been formed.
The final manifestation of God’s kingdom is in the future.
When we pray, “…your kingdom come…” we express our deep desire to see God reigning with full authority over all creation.
As I pray, his reigning extends over me and my life.