Church service this morning used an excerpt from Matthew 6:10 extracted from Jesus’ introduction of the Lord’s Prayer to His disciples. The service theme for the month was “And this I Pray . . . Your kingdom come”
Matthew 6:10 (excerpt)
New King James Version
10 Your kingdom come.
As the service opened, I specifically prayed that God would give me something of substance to take into my heart. As the sermon progressed three images immediately came to mind. The first was an excerpt from the passage in Luke 17. Later in the service the minister touched on this verse as well. I was deep in thought.
Luke 17:21 (excerpt)
New King James Version
The Coming of the Kingdom
He answered and said, “… indeed, the kingdom of God is within you.”
In quick succession, two scenes from the series “The Chosen” appeared before me. The first was when Jesus sat with Judas and Judas was trying to influence the next moves that Jesus should make. Judas became upset when Jesus didn’t go along with his plan. Finally, Jesus said to him, “Judas you have a choice to make. Who has your heart? I had it once. I want it.” Judas left confused and conflicted.
The second scene again focused on Jesus and Judas, this time at the Passover seder. Jesus leaned over to Judas and said, “Do what you have to do.”
Judas responded, “It didn’t have to be this way.”
Jesus said, “he has you now.”
Judas asked, “Who?”
And the fatal answer came from Jesus, “Not God.”
Again, Judas leaves, still with a tinge of confliction.
As these three images flowed through my consciousness, a picture began to open. I asked, what makes a Kingdom? The answer, A King! So, what “kingdom” becomes the kingdom within me? When I pray, Your Kingdom Come, the obvious answer is God is the King of that Kingdom.
Continuing this train of thoughts, prompted by the evolving sermon I was listening to, I explored in my thoughts what other “kingdoms” can find their way into me? Who are the “Kings” that want my heart to build their kingdom?
The myriad distractions that seek my attention each day are the countless “kings” vying for the real estate of my heart. But I have control over who I allow to be my ‘King”. Jesus’ word to Judas echoes in my mind, “you must choose who has your heart!” Most important here is Jesus’ statement to Judas (and to me), “I had your heart. I want your heart!” What more incentive to choose Him, than when He says, “I want your heart!”
I pray that when Jesus says to me, “The kingdom of God is within you.” I have made the right choice; Jesus is my King!
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Turning Point
Each divine service is extraordinary; none is a matter of course. This truth accompanies my soul as I enter each divine service. Even if the minister’s presentation is less than extraordinary, it is in my communion with our Holy Spirit that makes each an extraordinary experience a reality. Today was a turning point of understanding and perspective that I will cherish and share.