Your Kingdom Come

The Lord taught his disciples to pray, “Your kingdom come” (Matthew 6:10), but this cannot be totally fulfilled in the present era. When asked about His return, Jesus told the parable of the fig tree. Just as the budding of the fig tree heralds the coming of summer, the signs of the times will herald His return. “So you also, when you see these things happening, know that the kingdom of God is near” (Luke 21:31).

When the seventh trumpet sounds, loud voices in heaven will shout, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!” (Revelation 11:15).

One day, the Lord Jesus will be King over the earth and reign for a thousand years. Psalm 145 says, “They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom, and talk of Your power, to make known to the sons of men His mighty acts, and the glorious majesty of His kingdom. Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Your dominion endures throughout all generations” (vv. 11–13).

We should think of this whenever we look at a map. Right now, Russia spreads from central Europe to furthest Asia; beneath it is Mongolia, then China. Nearby is India. The global south is composed of Africa, Australia, and South America. The United States and its familiar boundaries rest between the Atlantic and Pacific, with Canada above and Mexico below. Among the smallest nations is tiny Israel—only about 10 miles across at its narrowest point and a mere 263 miles from north to south.

Yet one day soon, Israel's boundaries will stretch from the Mediterranean to the Euphrates (Joshua 1:4), and Zion (Jerusalem) will be the capital of the world (Psalm 2:6). Jesus will reign from His throne, and all the nations will fall into place under His authority. Peace will reign, His holy people will populate the government, and a scepter of righteousness will be the scepter of His kingdom (Hebrews 1:8).

Just as the angels in the invisible realms honor and quickly obey their King, so will it be on this planet. And so it should be with you and me now.

Lord Jesus, you are both glorious and worthy of all glory. I honor you today and thank you for your goodness, grace, mercy, and love. Amen.