Last week I had the privilege to hear John Ortberg speak about the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Earth. For many of us – including me – I focus on getting “up there” to the Kingdom of God. What are the requirements that will get me a ticket to heaven?! What’s it take? I will do that and all will be well, happily ever after.
Your will be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. (Matt 6:10)
This is how Jesus taught us to pray … not “God, get me out of here so I can go up there.” Jesus told us to pray to God to make up there come down here – into our lives, our businesses, our families, our cities, our world. Jesus calls us to bring the Kingdom of God down to earth. To live as Jesus would live if he were in my place. To not just have faith IN Jesus but to have the faith OF Jesus. To not just try to be like Jesus but to train to be like Jesus.
We all have a kingdom. Our kingdom is that sphere in which you have control; what you say goes. “Your kingdom is the range of your effective will,” says John.
Thy Kingdom Come … what does it look like for you and me to bring God’s Kingdom down to earth? What does that require … to do God’s will and extend God’s effective will, where everything meets God’s approval and delight? That is what we are called to do – to humble ourselves (i.e., reduce the size of our kingdom) and be a part of expanding God’s Kingdom down here on earth.
Whoever humbles himself like a little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven and the Kingdom of God. (Matt 18:4) … and the Kingdom of Earth when we bring up there down here.
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Did you have complications thooughrut your pregnancy? I will be praying for you Erin! Hug Jack and Leah a little tighter today. They are 2 beautiful blessings that will help you get through this loss. I’m sure your amazing husband Dan is a source of strength as well.