Kin-dom Builders - May 3, 2020

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Matthew 6:9-13

Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

This prayer acknowledges that the world is not as it should be. There is a real need for things to be different—and a true possibility that it could be. Thy kingdom come is an acknowledgment that it isn’t here yet, but also a confession of hope that it could be. It’s not a far-off hope for God’s kingdom--not, “hurry up and let me die so that I might know heaven. No, it’s “thy kingdom come, here, now.” God’s kingdom is imminent, it’s

within reach, but it’s not just going to storm the gates and take over—we have to ask for it. We have to seek after it.

There is a real potential of moving toward the kingdom of God. So, how do we understand the kingdom of God here on earth? If it’s not some far off place only to be encountered after death, what should we be looking for? Or maybe more to the point, what should we be working toward?

The New Testament gives us plenty of fodder for discussing the kingdom of heaven—like last week, we could do a whole series just on the kingdom of heaven. Instead, today, we’ll cover the cliff's notes version.

Matthew 13 is full of parables about the kingdom of heaven.
· The parable of the sower suggests the kingdom will be cast and spread everywhere, but will only grow and bear fruit where it is nurtured and cared for.
· The parable of the seed suggests that the kingdom can and will grow “among the weeds” and we should let them grow together until it’s time to harvest.
· The parable of the mustard seed suggests even the smallest seeds will grow larger. We don’t need a mango seed to grow a big portion of the kingdom of heaven, even a little bitty seed is enough.
· The parable of the treasure and pearl suggest the kingdom of heaven is of immeasurable value.
· The parable of the net suggests there will be some type of ultimate sorting. God will sort out what to keep and what to toss—that’s not our job.

That’s a lot of how the kingdom works. But what about what we’re looking for? I would say the kingdom of heaven is a reflection or outpouring of the things God values, much of which is really clear and easy to find in the Gospel of Luke. There we find Jesus welcoming the sinners and the outcast. He heals those who are sick and broken. He restores relationships. He shows agape love to the enemy.

To pray “thy kingdom come thy will be done” is to say:
· Make us inclusive
· Make us welcome the stranger
· Help us heal the sick and broken
· Restore our relationships
· Teach us how to love our enemies.

That’s a big ask. It’s not all about God doing the things but about us learning how to do the god-like things. For some of us, the question becomes—“can I pray the Lord’s prayer without having to do all that?!” The answer is pretty clear, “No!”

To pray this part of the prayer is to ask God to make us agents of the kingdom. To change the world. In essence, we’re praying, “God helps us make this place called earth more like that place called heaven. Teach us how to do it.”

But don’t look around waiting for some kind of future answer. Through Jesus, God has already shown us. If you want to know how to make God’s kingdom real on earth, follow Jesus. Be a disciple. Do what he asks:
· Welcome the stranger.
· Love your Enemy
· Restore your relationships
· Heal the hurting.
· Build community.

It’s simple. Not easy. But it’s simple. Seek the kingdom. Follow Jesus. Amen