ADVANCING THE KINGDOM
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. (Matthew 6:13)
In the concluding part of the format of prayer Jesus gave to His disciples, He taught them to say, “Thine is the Kingdom.” He was referring to the Kingdom of God. But in St. Mathew’s gospel, there’s another expression, “the Kingdom of heaven,” which, though interchangeably used with the Kingdom of God, is different.
While the Kingdom of God refers to the rulership or dominion of God, which transcends territories and is universal, the Kingdom of heaven is applied particularly in connection to the Messiah, Jesus Christ, and His messianic reign. It’s that part of the Kingdom of God that’s established in the earth and is headed by Jesus.
The vision of the Kingdom of heaven is the establishment and expansion of the Kingdom of God on the earth; it’s the work of Jesus Christ, of which we, the Church, are a vital part. It’s important for us to know our role. Each one of us actually has a responsibility, first, to see to the expansion of the Kingdom of God, because we belong in that Kingdom: “But seek ye first the Kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).
The Lord’s injunction for us to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness calls for every one of us to reappraise our priorities and walk accordingly. Your ultimate desire should be that the Kingdom is advancing through you as you impact your world with the Gospel.
Devote your time, efforts, and resources to the furtherance of the Gospel. There’s so much more you can do to ensure God’s Word prevails in your city, region, or country, and the world.
PRAYER
Dear Father, I’m determined, more than ever, to spread, to the ends of the earth, the glorious news of Christ’s salvation and His wondrous works toward mankind. The Kingdom of God has been set up in my heart: the peace, beauty, glory, grace, and life of God are fully functional in my spirit, expressed in and through me. Through me, the Word prevails in my city, region, country, and the world. Blessed be God!
FURTHER STUDY
John 3:3-7, Matthew 10:7
1-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: John 11:17-57, 2 Kings 13-15
2-YEAR BIBLE READING PLAN: Mark 12:28-34, Numbers 27
