As He preached on a mountain, Jesus taught concerning the motives and manner of prayer (Matt. 6:5-18). The prayer recorded from His sermon is a teaching model for the content and objectives of our prayers (Lk. 11:1-4). Ironically, many mechanically recite “The Lord’s Prayer” to this day, exposing their congregants to the use of “vain repetitions” – the very thing Jesus said not to do (Matt. 6:7). Frequent repetition does not necessarily develop and invigorate spirituality.

In this model prayer for disciples, Jesus instructed to pray, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matt. 6:10). It is good and proper that we pray to the Father about His divine program, fully assured that “the Lord will do this think which He has spoken” (cf. Isa. 38:7; Acts 1:6-7).

Has the kingdom of God arrived? Or, shall we continue to pray for its coming? The New Testament unambiguously declares the kingdom of God has indeed come, and that sinners continue to be transferred into it to this day (Col. 1:13; Heb. 12:28; Rev. 1:5-6, 9).

The kingdom of God is the church of Christ (Matt. 16:18-19). Prophesied by Daniel to be set up in the days of the kings of the Roman Empire, Jesus came “preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, ‘The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel” (Dan. 2:44; Mk. 1:14-15).

Jesus said, “Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God after it has come with power” (Mk. 9:1, ESV). The rule of the Son of Man came powerfully on Pentecost in Acts 2, as His apostles were baptized with the Holy Spirit and sinners were saved (Acts 1:8; 2:1-4, 36-41). The church was established; the kingdom had come. Our King continues to exercise His power to judge and to save, adding the redeemed to His church (Mk. 8:34-38; Acts 2:47). Jesus was not a false prophet. Some who heard Him teach also saw the kingdom come with power.

We are “receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken” (Heb. 12:28). Sinners are not transferred into a non-existent kingdom (Col. 1:13).

Christians do not pray, “Your kingdom come,” for God has kept His word and set up His kingdom. Christ is on His throne (Psa. 2:6-7; Acts 13:32-34). The urgent question today is whether you will remain in “the power of darkness,” or will you be transferred “into the kingdom of the Son of His love” (Col. 1:13)? That decision, is yours (Acts 2:40-41). 

Power in Priorities
Tanner Bass

Each day we are faced with options in our lives on seemingly every choice. It is up to the individual as to what he or she desires. We prioritize what we want, or want to accomplish by how important it is to us. Spiritual study and devotion can be prioritized too, however, this choice of where we decide to put God on our list of priorities can and will determine our eternal lives. We must put God and the study of His holy word as our first priority. Priorities do exist, but God must always come first.

Matthew 6:33 reads, “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” The text does not read, “But seek secondly,” or “But seek whenever is convenient for oneself,” We are taught to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness first, not to put anything before God or in front of Him.

Paul’s outlook in Philippians 1:21 shows an attitude that is truly putting Christ first, letting nothing stand between him and his spirituality. The text reads, “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” We see that life is in Christ and in nothing else. Money, all material gain, your career, your family, even your spouse and children cannot come before the living God who reigns in Heaven. In Matthew 6:24, we are told that no man can serve two masters. This is the idea that it is simply impossible to have two first priorities. One must be more important. In our lives, we must have God and serving Him as our number one priority. There is no room for anyone, or anything else to fit the spot. A truly thankful heart will appreciate God and everything He has done for us. We must put Him as our first priority not because we have to, but because we want to. We ought to have an attitude that is willing and eager to put God as our number one priority because He deserves that. We must not feel like we have to, rather we get to.

If your priorities have not included God as number one, it is never too late to start. Making a change in your priorities in life begins with the heart. Once you have put God first in your life, everything else will start to fall into place. Choices and options will still be present, decisions must still be made, but they will become easier with God closer to your heart.