What do we mean by the kingdom of God for which we pray in the Lord's Prayer? When we say "your kingdom come" what are we imagining? What does it look like? There are many clues in Scripture as to what the kingdom looks like. One of these is in Luke 4:18-19, where Jesus reads from the writings of Isaiah the prophet (61:1-2).
Let's look at what one of the proclamations might mean in the kingdom of God on earth - freedom for the prisoners/captives. I don't believe that Jesus simply meant to set prisoners free in order to let them cause havoc or commit crimes. He meant that hearts would be changed to such a degree that there would be no need for prisons. Consider what this would mean around the world just for political prisoners. It means a world where there is political peace and justice for everyone with no need to demonstrate or protest. All people would be treated fairly by the government. There would be no war, no genocide, no torture, no political prisoners. No need for armies or training for war.
For reflection: In sports, they teach athletes to envision being faster, envision winning. As Christians, can we envision the earth ruled with peace, justice and fairness? Envision it today. Envision a world with no war, no armies, no genocide, no torture, no political prisoners.
Let us pray. Jesus, in order to bring about your kingdom on earth, I need your vision for it. I need the vision of no more war, no injustice. I want to proclaim freedom for prisoners around the world. Your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.
Let's look at what one of the proclamations might mean in the kingdom of God on earth - freedom for the prisoners/captives. I don't believe that Jesus simply meant to set prisoners free in order to let them cause havoc or commit crimes. He meant that hearts would be changed to such a degree that there would be no need for prisons. Consider what this would mean around the world just for political prisoners. It means a world where there is political peace and justice for everyone with no need to demonstrate or protest. All people would be treated fairly by the government. There would be no war, no genocide, no torture, no political prisoners. No need for armies or training for war.
For reflection: In sports, they teach athletes to envision being faster, envision winning. As Christians, can we envision the earth ruled with peace, justice and fairness? Envision it today. Envision a world with no war, no armies, no genocide, no torture, no political prisoners.
Let us pray. Jesus, in order to bring about your kingdom on earth, I need your vision for it. I need the vision of no more war, no injustice. I want to proclaim freedom for prisoners around the world. Your kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven.
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