The Best of the Portals of Prayer

Read: John 3:1-8 / Psalm 145

“Your Kingdom Come.”
Matthew 6:10

The Kingdom Here and Now

As a boy, I spent the weeks before Christmas searching for hidden gifts. I scoured closets and peeked under beds, trying to find the presents my parents had purchased for me. The gifts were hidden, but I knew they must be around somewhere. As adults, we often imagine God’s kingdom to be a little like those gifts. We believe God has good things in mind for us. But we look high and low, not quite sure where to find them. God’s kingdom, like those Christmas packages, may seem hidden or far off. God is not trying to hide his kingdom from us. He puts His kingdom right out in the open and asks us to receive it by faith. His kingdom comes to us when God gives us faith and trust in Jesus so that we respond with new obedience to His Word. Through His Church, God delivers His eternal kingdom of life and salvation to each of us, wherever the Gospel is proclaimed, whenever Holy Baptism is administered in His name, and whenever Christ’s body and blood are fed to his faithful people.

Father, by Your Word and Holy Spirit, deliver Your kingdom to us as we hear about Jesus. Lead us to trust Him wholly with the faith You so kindly have given us. Amen.

January 21, 2008