Kingdom, Power, Glory!

But you, when you pray, go into your room, close the door, and pray to your Father in secret. Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. “And when you pray, don’t babble on and on like the pagans, who think God will hear them better if they talk a lot. Don’t be like them, because your Father knows what you need before you ask him. You, therefore, pray like this: ‘Our Father in heaven! May your Name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come, your will be done on earth as in heaven. Forgive us what we have done wrong, as we too have forgiven those who have wronged us. And do not lead us into hard  testing, but keep us safe from the Evil One. For kingship, power and glory are yours forever. Amen .’

Mattityahu (Mat) 6:6-10, 12-13 CJB

The final section of the Lords prayer is a little controversial. Some scholars state this was not in the original manuscript. It was only found in later manuscripts. However, we have the word of God as is. This section has been accepted into our bible and it adds to the message. Truly God’s kingship is not disputed by any who are in the faith. What we need to understand is the message it implies. Jesus’s message is all about God’s kingdom. How we pray is set in this environment. We are talking to God. It is disrespectful and hurtful to talk to God with any intention other than to actually talk to God. Therefore, acknowledging God’s kingship, power and glory is a vital component of our walk in faith.

First, we must understand the context of this kingship. The Jews first experience with the kingship of God was literal. He had priests to be vessels of communication between Him and His people. Later, influenced by cultures around them they asked God for a human king to represent them. We know how badly that ended. The one king that did display any glory on God’s behalf was David. So, God chose his line to fulfil His plan of our salvation.  Prior to this, God’s tabernacle represented His presence in the midst of His people. It            represented God’s active kingship. Any major decisions were made in the tabernacle and conveyed by the high priest to the people. The kingship of God was undisputed. His power was on display when the people were obedient. His glory was witnessed and respected by the tribes and nations around. Only when the Jews  replaced the direct kingship of God, did the diminishing influence of God’s kingship, power and glory affect the kingdom of Israel, which split into 2 later, ceasing to exist after being overrun by the Babylonians. Today, we pray, ‘For Yours is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.’ What does this mean to you? Are you simply reciting this prayer on autopilot? Or are we in the firm belief that God is our King.  When I was on holiday in Malaysia a few years ago, I had a problem at the airport. My children are mixed race and they’re fairer in complexion in comparison to me. The immigration officer thought I was smuggling Malay children out of the country. I was very distressed when they took my children away from me. What probably saved the day was when I pulled out our passports and the authority of Her Majesties kingdom took precedence. My children were escorted back to me and the episode was almost forgotten. God’s authority is much deeper than that. If we abide in His kingdom, His power and glory manifests in us. Our passports are printed in our lives. Many a time I’ve come across people who’ve said to me, ‘oh I thought you were a Christian. You were so kind and helpful’. The Kingdom of God within us can be recognised through our lives. Just as the neighbouring cultures around the Israelites recognised the power and glory of their God. Living a life with God as our King is the only way we can discover the potential we were created to achieve. Living a life outside the kingship of God leaves us with no protection from evil, no benefits of being a citizen of His Kingdom, no share of the glory that He shares with His people and the sense of alienation that Adam and Eve felt leaving Eden. Being alone, parentless and without support.  Being God’s child is a privilege. He leads us, guides us through tough times, never forsakes us, provides us, gives us a family that we feel belonged to. All He asks of us is found in 2 laws and a command.  ‘He told him, “‘You are to love Adonai your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.’ And a second is similar to it, ‘You are to love your neighbour as yourself.’ All of the Torah and the Prophets are dependent on these two commandments.” Mattityahu (Mat) 22:37, 39-40 CJB Yeshua came and talked with them. He said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, go and make people from all nations into disciples , immersing them into the reality of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember! I will be with you always, yes, even until the end of the age.” Mattityahu (Mat) 28:18-20 CJB Forever and ever! Amen.