THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST: THE TEACHINGS ON PRAYER (8)

THIRD PRINCIPLE OF PRAYER

The Reign of God - (Matthew 6:10; Luke 11:2)

esus came into Galilee preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15) He went throughout every city and village, preaching and showing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. (Luke 8:1)

Dear Friends, though ‘all’ of The Teachings on Prayer, are important, for me, lesson #8 is the most valuable in guiding me in my effort to walk closer with God. There was a time, before my committed study of scripture, that I wondered why we saints today aren’t as faithful; are not more effective in our prayer life; and why only a few actually thirst for the WORD of GOD.

As I studied more, I couldn’t help but take note of the FAITH of Daniel in the Lion’s Den; the FAITH of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace, and then, there was the FAITH of David against the giant Goliath. These mighty men of faith did not have a Bible to study; so why/where cometh their faith and trust? These third and fourth principles helped me. See if you agree.

A commonly quoted precept of Jesus, the full significance of which is not always noted, is that in Matthew 6:33: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and His righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” “These things” are food and clothing and all the things we naturally need.

SEEK THE KINGDOM OF GOD

This teaching is summed up in the sanction: Begin by realizing the reign of God; seek that first, and everything else will follow. So in prayer, we begin with the fact of God’s reign of kingdom. We seek the kingdom of God as those who expect to find it, for the reign of God, is not a future even, but a present reality. It is here for us to enter. Are you happy about that? I am! It is a fact. It is life’s most important fact! We can find sanctuary and liberty and peace within it now. God reigns! He is in power and command. When Jesus Speaks of God, He speaks of His government, as well as of His existence and of His goodwill.

There are, however, different kinds of governments, and so we progress to ponder the character of the government of God. It is neither a dictatorship nor a reign of tyranny. It cannot be benevolent monocracy. God reigns as a Father, not as a king. God could govern, can govern, and will govern in response to our desires, though not otherwise.

Thus, Friends, understand that this is what is expressed in the words, “Thy kingdom come.” It implies that while God is reigning, His Fatherly government cannot be fully effective in our lives unless we welcome it. The King reigns only where He is invited. His is the only blessed reign, and He will reign in our affairs as we make our request.