KINGDOM COME

Debt forgiveness, we all want it, but how often do we forgive the debts of those who owe us? What are debts? The theological definition of a debt is, “ an offense requiring reparation; a sin; a trespass.” Let’s look at the above verse from this translation, “God forgive me for offending you, as I forgive those who have offended me.” Whoa...

From personal experience and as a observer of a number of conversations on forgiveness, not many of us are willing to forgive others. Most times we feel as though the people who owe us or have wronged us do not deserve our  forgiveness. Imagine if Jesus Christ felt that way.

Forgiveness is a two way street, according to this verse. Notice how we are to ask God to forgive us for what we have done, while simultaneously forgiving others. We have to be both forgiven and forgiving.

I’m about 90% sure Italian bread is my favorite. It’s just good ya’ll. For real. If it’s not one of your favorites that’s fine. Just know I will side-eye you very hard for about 30 seconds if you don’t like it. I’m also 100% sure that God knows Italian bread is my favorite. But, for some reason when I pray for my daily bread an Italian bread loaf doesn’t appear in front of my door. It’s because this verse isn’t particularly about natural bread. Don’t get me wrong, God is fully capable of making actual bread appear to us. He did it for the Israelites daily. However, the daily bread in this scripture is referring to the word of God.

The Kingdom of God is a mystery. I have no idea the meaning of every facet of the Kingdom of God. The bible is full of kingdom knowledge and revelation. Jesus taught about the kingdom and instructed the disciples to do the same. Clearly, this Kingdom of God is significant and glorious. so much so, that I don’t know how to completely paint a picture of the kingdom. I can, however, begin to to describe it on a basic level. The Kingdom of God is the place where God is. It is where God is sovereign and he has a set of laws and principles in place for those who operate in his kingdom. There is life, perfection, power and victory in his kingdom. 

So, when we look back at the beginning of verse 10, “Thy kingdom come.” We can begin to understand such a request. Jesus gave instruction to request the life, laws, principles, power, victory and perfection of God to come here to us. Why? Because, we need the kingdom of God to full our purpose in life, which is simultaneously God’s will.

  Jesus begins the Lord's Prayer with these words, "Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name." I believe this is one of the most imperative portions of the prayer. Why? Because we need to know who to pray to! When we pray, we should be praying to our father. Not your father Papa John, but your Father who is in heaven. OUR father. The word "OUR" indicates that we are all God's children and we share the same Father as the incredible Jesus Christ. Does that mean Jesus is our brother? Well, yes it does. How amazing is that? 

  Next up, Jesus says something that lets us know we can't use google maps to get to our father. He mentions that our father is in heaven. I don't know about you but I haven't had the opportunity to drive or catch a flight to heaven to communicate with our Heavenly Father. Honestly, I'm glad we don't have to travel that far to speak with him. All we have to do is open our mouths, address him as our father and we're instantly in communication with him.

    Hallowed is his name. Hallowed means greatly respected, revered, and set apart as holy. So Jesus was informing us of the character of our Heavenly Father. Our father is holy and to be greatly respected. In case you didn't know...