Our journey through the Lord’s Prayer continues:
Your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven….
The Greek word “basileia” can be used to describe the geographical realm over which a king rules. Or it can be used to refer to the authority or rule of a king over his people. There are instances of both usages within the Bible – however, the primary context in which it is used leads us to define it as the rule or reign of a king.
In a non-Biblical sense, basileia was used to describe the rule and reign of Caesar over all within his influence. The term meant more then just a physical land as the rule of Caesar extended into one’s home and business. Nothing was outside of the rule of Caesar.
In the same way, the Hebrew writers of old talked about the coming rule of God who would control all areas of His follower’s lives. 1 Kings Chapter 4 is a great example of this rule and reign as shown through the monarch Solomon. The text shares about Solomon’s daily banquet table and how God blessed Solomon with wisdom about humans, birds, plants, mammals, fish, and reptiles. Nothing was left out – all was under the “kingdom” of Solomon.
Another way of describing this rule and reign of God can be found in promise of Leviticus 26:12:
I will walk among you and be your God, and you will be my people.
This was the promise that was fulfilled by the incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ in that the barriers between humanity and God have been removed. He is our Lord, King and Master and we are His followers and His people
When we pray this prayer, we are asking for the reign and rule of the Age to Come to enter into the world today – to break into the Present Evil Age.
It is a battle cry calling for the end of the Age!!!!!!
That is the mystery of God – the fact that we can experience the things (grace, forgiveness, power) of the next Age today.
Jesus said in Luke 11:20:”
But if I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you.
It is a both/and situation.
The Kingdom is here; it is coming; it is being poured out; and it will be poured out.
Continued on Wednesday…