Proclaim - II

On Earth as it is in Heaven

MEMORY VERSE

“Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10)

REFLECTION

When God’s word becomes too familiar, we can easily gloss over crucially important instructions. Jesus taught, “This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” (Matt.6:9-13)

Stop and think about the meaning of praying that God's kingdom would come and that His will would be done on earth as it is in heaven. It's great to think and talk about God's kingdom coming to earth sometime in the future. But, notice that everything else in this prayer is related to very practical daily life. It seems that Jesus meant God's kingdom should be experienced on earth now.  He also said things like, “The kingdom of God is in your midst” (Luke 17:21). Jesus was asking God to move so mightily in us so that we would do His will on earth right now as humble, devoted subjects living by his principles so that our world can see and experience His kingdom.

QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER

Who are the people around you who are not experiencing God’s kingdom? How can you help them experience God's kingdom by your daily choices and actions? What adjustments can you make to become more effective in exposing others to God's kingdom?

ACTION STEP FOR THE WEEK

Take a look at Acts 2:42-47. These believers were experiencing Matthew 6:10. Ask someone how they see God's kingdom reflected in your life and how it might better be reflected. Ask God to show you how to be a better citizen of His kingdom daily.