Welcome to the last blog of the first month of 2021 everybody!
The third lesson from the 2020 CROSS Conference has set the stage for this week’s post, the third line from the Lord’s Prayer in Matthew 6. “Your Kingdom Come, Your Will be Done.” Presenting this lesson at the conference was American Reformed Evangelical theologian, author and pastor, Kevin DeYoung. “Your Kingdom Come, Your Will be Done” is yet another powerful petition, or request, made of God by the Psalmist and we will do well to make that same request today, more often than we probably do currently. But what exactly are we asking for when we make this petition to the Lord? First of all, and most obviously, we’re asking for His will to be done in our lives and on earth. Secondly, we’re asking that Christ’s rule and reign would be experienced here on earth, for His Spirit to change people’s hearts. And finally, the most earnest yet dangerous request that we’re making of all is for Him to come back to earth, to bring judgment on the wicked and to get us, His people out of this broken world. And we’re asking Him to do it quickly. After all, the sooner the better right? That’s probably going to have to be another topic for another day so for now, I’ll leave that for you to decide. Meanwhile, one major question that DeYoung presents us with is this. How should we live in light of these requests? He gives three answers, to live obediently, outwardly and expectantly. While all three are extremely vital, I’m just going to focus on the second and third parts, which literally coincide with the first because I don’t think it’s possible to do these and not be obedient. If anything, they’re done out of obedience. To live outwardly is to live in such a way that advances the Gospel. Helping other people with their physical needs is all fine and well but such services only provide temporary relief on earth; it won’t provide eternal relief. Sharing the good news of the Gospel of Christ with them however, can do just that, depending on how they receive it. Jesus was a prime example of this during his ministry on earth. “And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in the synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom….” (Matthew 4:23a) His miraculous works of healing and feeding were just a bonus. Lastly, we are to live expectantly, to “keep moving forward” (not to get confused with the famous motto in Disney’s Meet The Robinsons) and expecting God to act in some form or fashion. And best of all is that we are tasked with the privilege of being His messengers to ensure that each and every person receives an invitation. Our CoMission staff make it a point every semester to be on campus and jump at any opportunity to deliver this invitation to as many college students at USFSP as possible. By acting in obedience to this call of duty, we can always expect God to work, one way or another, regardless of whether the recipient accepts or declines the invitation. By living in this way, in light of those huge requests, God’s heavenly kingdom is presented here on earth through us to those around us. DeYoung said it best, “the Kingdom is not a society to be built but a gift to be received,” when referencing Luke 12:32. “....For it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” If you would like to watch/listen to the whole lesson, click here.
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