Your kingdom come…. It’s a line I’ve prayed a thousand times but it’s a line I’ve got stuck on recently. Finding my bearings again, getting a handle on living in a new place, I ask, ‘What does it mean to see God’s kingdom come and His will be done on earth?’ The words of the Lord’s prayer are simple, the sentences short, yet they are radical and incendiary.

Every kingdom has a ruler, a sovereign, God’s kingdom is no different. Although the world’s kingdoms are more visible and prominent, ruled by those who seemingly display, presence, power and influence. To the naked eye, God’s kingdom can appear obscure and opaque, hard to define and even harder to grasp. Sometimes I wish people could see His kingdom, that it was obvious and clear, that they could plainly see when good triumphs and wicked powers are defeated.

But God rarely parades His victories in that way. Here I must be vigilant, for in longing for a demonstration of His power, danger loiters. I can try and manipulate God or falsely manifest His kingdom. Thankfully, God will neither be coerced or manipulated by anyone. Neither will He impose His kingdom on another. He is no despotic sovereign, but a king whose throne was established before the beginning of everything. He reigns with His Son Jesus in a unity which is other, beautiful in a perfection that cannot be broken or separated.

‘Your kingdom come…’  The phrase articulates a willingness to offer myself as a participant in seeing Him bring His kingdom to the earth; a willingness, I believe, planted in us by God who invites each of us to work alongside Him. We listen, watch and enter in, allowing Him to form our identity and imaginations in this world where Jesus demonstrates another kingdom ruled by His father’s love and salvation.

This kingdom is not of this world but one sent into the world; one which quietly subverts world kingdoms. Armed with citizens who steep themselves in His stories and pray according to His word, we grow. Devotion to God deepens, clarity sharpens our intent and life’s purpose as we play our small part in living out His kingdom rule. The part we play together, as the body of Christ, forms a base of God’s love through which He brings salvation to the world. Changing shame and guilt for newness of life, hopelessness for faith and trust in One whose kingdom creates a new reality under His care.

May we let God be God…. May His kingdom come, and His will be done.

© copyright Gillian Newham 2024