If we study the Bible to find the origin of the concept of ‘kingdom’, it seems to have begun as an idea of man more than of God. At the time of the Prophet Samuel, all other nations except Israel had formed kingdoms ruled by kings. Power was centralised. Men and women seemed to like to put all major responsibility for the nation into the hands of one person. In this way it saved them the trouble of taking responsibility for themselves, an attitude which has typified every generation of mankind.

Up until this point, however, Israel had not been like other nations, but come under the direct rule of God. When Israel rebelled and requested a human king like all the other nations, it caused both Samuel and God great sorrow.

A Different Kind of Rule

By contrast, when Adam and Eve were in the Garden of Eden their life was built on relationship with God. Creator God was the supreme authority - but not in the same way as the centralised control of worldly political systems, which still exists today as it has through all of history.

Thus, when we pray “Thy Kingdom come”, we must be careful to understand the intent of the prayer that Jesus had in mind, or our use of the word ‘kingdom’ may end up being a concession to the world’s way of thinking. But in heavenly terms, the word ‘kingdom’ does not have the same definition. Jesus will return and establish what is called a ‘Kingdom’, but he will not come and replace one worldly system with another of like kind. Only the antichrist will seek to do that.

The Kingdom to Come

We must wait and see, but I imagine that Jesus will establish a rule that is a perfect manifestation of Torah, such as we can hardly imagine at this time. This will also be a restoration of what was lost in Eden and be based on wonderful relationship. It will fulfil perfectly the teaching of Jesus that the Kingdom of Heaven is within us. He will be our supreme Head, and we will live in partnership with Him as a wife with a husband.

When we cast off these imperfect bodies and live with Him forever, not subject to the world and its temptations or to our tendency to slip into sin and lawlessness, all this will be perfectly established. It is called a ‘Kingdom’ and we will have a ‘King’ - but not in terms of the world’s understanding.

Praying for Jesus’ Return

Therefore, it is good for us to consider prayerfully what we are saying, when we pray “Thy Kingdom come”. In the short term, we are confined to live in the present world so our prayer is for the rule of the Holy Spirit in and through us.

In the long term, and this is more at the heart of our prayer in these current days than ever before, we are praying for the return of Jesus. We should read Psalm 2 as we reflect on this. We are approaching the time when all other kingdoms will be exposed for their errors and the time when they will all fall. We should also consider the shaking that will come upon the earth at that time, as Jesus prophesied when he taught the disciples on the Mount of Olives, shortly before His suffering on the Cross. This teaching is expanded in the Book of Revelation.

In praying “Thy Kingdom come”, we are praying for Jesus’ return and the shakings in the heavens and on the earth that will precede this.

Think on these things before you pray!

Author: Dr Clifford Denton