Who Wants a King? Who Needs a Kingdom?
Matthew 4:23-5:16
Rev. Dr. Jack Harnish preaching
Never forget that we rebellious colonists fought a war to get away from good ol' King George, and regardless of his song in Hamilton, we are not likely to go back any time soon. Today across the country people are marching to say, "No More Kings!" So, isn't the idea of praying Thy Kingdom come a bit outdated? Perhaps. On the other hand, I believe it is possible that the vision of God's Kingdom might have something to say to us today.
And what about God's will?
Some folks seem to believe everything that happens, even painful and tragic things, must be God's will. If that's the case, I suppose there is no need to pray Thy will be done if it's going to be done anyway. But even the invitation to pray for it suggests God's will is not always done, and in our broken and war-torn world we have plenty of evidence to suggest that is the case.
In preparation for Sunday I encourage you to read Matthew 4:23–5:16, asking the question, "What does it mean to pray Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, even as it is in heaven?"
Rev. Jack Harnish
Matthew 4:23-5:16
Rev. Dr. Jack Harnish preaching
Never forget that we rebellious colonists fought a war to get away from good ol' King George, and regardless of his song in Hamilton, we are not likely to go back any time soon. Today across the country people are marching to say, "No More Kings!" So, isn't the idea of praying Thy Kingdom come a bit outdated? Perhaps. On the other hand, I believe it is possible that the vision of God's Kingdom might have something to say to us today.
And what about God's will?
Some folks seem to believe everything that happens, even painful and tragic things, must be God's will. If that's the case, I suppose there is no need to pray Thy will be done if it's going to be done anyway. But even the invitation to pray for it suggests God's will is not always done, and in our broken and war-torn world we have plenty of evidence to suggest that is the case.
In preparation for Sunday I encourage you to read Matthew 4:23–5:16, asking the question, "What does it mean to pray Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, even as it is in heaven?"
Rev. Jack Harnish