Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Matthew 6:10

This is the lead verse for this morning from Daily Light, my favorite devotional outside of the Bible.  I read it like I usually read things, getting the inflection right, pronouncing correctly, diction perfect.  No problem, I observed all that.  What I did not employ was by far the most important.  What can this verse possibly mean?  Is it for the far-off distance?  Is it real or hopeful and imaginary?  Does it have any meaning for me now?

Jesus speaks of his kingdom, where he reigns supreme.  I have no problem with the fact that Jesus is in heaven, reigning.  In fact, I expect that to be true.  The surprise comes when we read, “as it is on earth.”   Like in heaven.  If so, how is it in heaven, where Jesus reigns supreme?

Now for the huge surprise and the life-changing reality, Jesus’ kingdom is on the earth as well, where we are. He does not just hope that some day this may be the case, but that is for now!  On earth and in heaven!  All Christian witness is based on this reality, that the will of God will be done in heaven and on the earth.  It is the same Jesus!

It is clear, the Kingdom invades the earthly world.  But it was always there in heaven.  So the will of God is that his Kingdom will reign on the earth through the redeeming work of Christ, through his Church, his People. That enables the greater miracle, so to speak, that His Kingdom is established on the earth!

Lord, today let me receive this revealing Word.  If it is true it is astounding.  It is true, my friend, and is truly astounding.  We walk in this Kingdom by the grace of God NOW!  Amen and amen!