You may be aware that King Charles III and Queen Camilla are visiting Australia over the next few days. Predictably this has resulted in various media stories about the relevance of the Constitutional Monarchy in modern Australia and debate about the move to a Republic.
When I think of our monarchy, it also makes me think about the Kingdom of God. It makes me think that, if people don’t like the idea of an earthly king, we do need to think about our Heavenly King and His Kingdom.
John the Baptist began his ministry announcing that the kingdom of heaven was at hand. Jesus continued this theme – Matthew 4:17 states “From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand’”.
The disciples hoped that Jesus would be more of an earthly king who would banish the Roman occupation in Judea and usher in a revived kingdom in Israel. Today, the Jews are still awaiting this new earthly kingdom when the Messiah comes.
But we know that Jesus the Messiah has come already and He will come again in what is known as the Parousia, the Second Coming.
The Kingdom of God is already here. It is not one primarily of space, territory or politics. It isn’t a national kingdom, but one where we recognise the sovereignty of God over all facets of our lives. Where God reigns supreme and Jesus is King of our hearts and souls.
The Apostles and the disciples didn’t fully understand this concept until after the resurrection. We have the scriptures inform and educate us about it. But we need to submit consciously to Jesus’ sovereignty.
I believe it is good practice to pray daily the prayer that Jesus taught us to pray, a.k.a. The Lord’s Prayer:
“Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.’” (Matthew 6:9-10, ESV).
Amen!
Darryl
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