THURSDAY

Matthew 6:9-10; Luke 17:20-21

One might be tempted to think, having reflected on the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem less than one week before the events that would change everything forever… followed by his return to heaven… that we should be looking to the future for the establishment of that kingdom—the kingdom in which God will reign in a new heaven and a new earth. As Seventh-day Adventists, the second part of our name seems to point to that, as we wait in joyful expectation for the return of Jesus! While that certainly is not wrong, if we limit our understanding of the kingdom to this, we might be surprised to discover that Jesus would disagree. Our Scripture passages for today give us some clues as to why that might be the case. First, in the model prayer that Jesus gives to his disciples in response to their request about how to pray, these lines are included: “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (vs 10). It certainly sounds like they are invited to pray for God’s kingdom to be in operation right now! But even if you were to decide that this must be talking about when Jesus comes again, you would then have this second passage to deal with in Luke 17:20-21, in which Jesus makes it pretty clear that the kingdom does not intend to wait until then. As you reflect on the way Jesus invites us to pray, and what he has to say about where the kingdom of God is, think about these questions:

• In what ways should God’s kingdom already be showing up in the lives of those who have responded to the invitation to follow Jesus?

• What are some of the ways that we can begin living the life of the kingdom, right now in our midst, in the way we prioritize our lives and the ways we treat those around us?

• What are some of the other kinds of kingdom structures that I have built, or others have built and I have moved into, that are hindering God’s kingdom from being built in my life?

• How does the story Jesus told in Matthew 25:31-46 give us important insights into what it looks like to live in God’s kingdom right now, and to pray that God’s will is done here as it is in heaven?

• What do you sense God may be inviting you to think more about as you reflect on today’s passages?

Take a few moments to share what is on your heart and mind with God in prayer.