In contemplating the profound words, "Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven," let us delve into the essence of the Kingdom of God.?
You are known as Omnipresence.
Psalm 139:7-12
"7 Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? 8 If I go up to the heavens, you are there; if I make my bed in the depths, you are there. 9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, 10 even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast. 11 If I say, 'Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,' 12 even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you."
In the current state of our world, plagued by division, confusion, and manipulation, I am reminded of the need to align humanity with Your divine plan, to bring Heaven's essence to earth.
I know you also as Omniscience.
Psalm 139:1-6
"1 You have searched me, Lord, and you know me. 2 You know when I sit and when I rise; you perceive my thoughts from afar. 3 You discern my going out and my lying down; you are familiar with all my ways. 4 Before a word is on my tongue you, Lord, know it completely. 5 You hem me in behind and before, and you lay your hand upon me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain."
Reflecting on the Genesis narrative, I recognize Your intention for humanity's stewardship over the Earth. From Adam's solitary existence to the creation of Eve, your design for companionship and multiplication is evident. However, with the advent of sin, humanity's alignment with Your divine mission faltered.
After the fall with Eve, we now have sin on earth. We also understand Satan was an Angel of yours. We need our brothers and sisters to be clear of his mission, versus your mission, bringing Heaven to Earth. We also reminded of Satan's words to you.
Isaiah 14:12-15
"How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations! You said in your heart, 'I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God; I will sit enthroned on the mount of assembly, on the utmost heights of Mount Zaphon. I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.' But you are brought down to the realm of the dead, to the depths of the pit."
What can we learn to begin this journey understanding your mission?
John 3:16
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
What does this verse mean Lord?
Jesus said,
Matthew 6:5-13 (NIV):
"5 And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 6 But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. 7 And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
9 “This, then, is how you should pray:
“‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’"
What was he focused on that you sent him to save us.
Mark 10:45 (NIV):
"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
Jesus's central mission: to serve humanity by offering himself as a sacrifice to redeem and reconcile people to God. Jesus came to earth to demonstrate God's love, to teach and to heal, and ultimately to offer salvation through his death and resurrection.
We noticed he referenced the Kingdom of God many times. Jesus's parables frequently illustrate aspects of the Kingdom of God, revealing its nature, values, and the response it elicits from people. For example, the parable of the mustard seed (Mark 4:30-32) portrays the Kingdom's growth from small beginnings, while the parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32) illustrates God's abundant grace and mercy.
Let's unpack both of these parables:
Mark 4:30-32 - The Parable of the Mustard Seed:
"Again he said, 'What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade."
Context:
In Mark 4, Jesus is teaching a crowd by the Sea of Galilee using parables. He uses simple, everyday imagery to convey profound spiritual truths about the Kingdom of God.
Interpretation
The Mustard Seed: Jesus begins by comparing the Kingdom of God to a mustard seed, which is one of the smallest seeds known in the region. Despite its small size, it grows into a large plant, even becoming a tree in which birds can find shelter.
Symbolism
Mustard Seed: Represents the small beginnings of the Kingdom of God. At the time of Jesus's ministry, the Kingdom seemed insignificant, starting with Jesus and his small band of disciples.
Large Plant/Tree: Symbolizes the expansive growth and influence of the Kingdom over time. Despite its humble beginnings, the Kingdom of God will grow and flourish, providing shelter and refuge for many.
Birds: Often symbolize Gentile nations or outsiders. This suggests that the Kingdom of God will provide a place of inclusion and refuge for people from all backgrounds.
Message:
The Kingdom's Growth: Jesus teaches that although the Kingdom of God may start small and seemingly insignificant, it will grow into something significant and influential. This growth is not due to human effort but is a result of God's power and sovereignty. The Kingdom of God is open to all, regardless of their status or background. It offers refuge and shelter to those who seek it, embodying God's grace and mercy.
Luke 15:11-32 - The Parable of the Prodigal Son:
"11 Jesus continued: 'There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them.
13 'Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
17 'When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father.
'But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.
21 'The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
22 'But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.
25 'Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’
28 'The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’
31 '‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found."
Context:
This parable is part of a series of three parables in Luke 15 (the Lost Sheep, the Lost Coin, and the Lost Son), where Jesus addresses the Pharisees and scribes who criticize him for associating with sinners.
Interpretation:
The Prodigal Son: A young man asks his father for his inheritance, leaves home, squanders his wealth in reckless living, and finds himself impoverished and destitute. He returns home in humility, seeking forgiveness and restoration.
Symbolism:
Father: Represents God's unconditional love, mercy, and forgiveness. Despite his son's rebellion, the father eagerly welcomes him back with open arms.
Prodigal Son: Symbolizes sinners who stray from God's ways and seek fulfillment in worldly pursuits. His return reflects repentance and a desire for reconciliation with the father.
Elder Son: Represents the self-righteous Pharisees and scribes who criticize Jesus for associating with sinners. His resentment towards his brother's restoration highlights their lack of understanding of God's grace.
Message:
The parable illustrates God's boundless love and mercy towards sinners. Despite our failings and shortcomings, God eagerly welcomes us back into His presence when we repent and turn to Him. The parable emphasizes the importance of repentance and the readiness of God to forgive. It challenges the notion of merit-based righteousness and underscores the grace-based nature of God's kingdom. God's Kingdom is open to all who repent and seek reconciliation. It transcends human distinctions and extends grace to both the wayward and the self-righteous.
As I contemplate the profound insights gained from exploring Your teachings and parables, I am filled with gratitude for Your boundless wisdom and enlightenment. Your words have shed light upon the path towards the Kingdom of God, revealing to us the way to embrace Your love, mercy, and grace. With a heart overflowing with awe, I express my deepest thanks, Lord, for Your divine guidance and illumination. As I continue this journey of faith and understanding, I eagerly look forward to delving deeper into the complexities of dominion on earth and the true essence of power in my future reflections. May Your peace, Shalom, envelop us as we earnestly strive to align our lives with Your divine will and purpose. Amen.