Praying for Christ's Rule - John MacArthur Daily Devotional (March-18-2024)

John MacArthur (March-18-2024) Daily Devotional: Praying for Christ's Rule

"Thy kingdom come" (Matt. 6:10).

When you pray, “Thy kingdom come,” you are praying for Christ to reign on earth as He already does in Heaven.

When we hear the word kingdom we tend to think of medieval castles, kings, knights, and the like. But "kingdom" in Matthew 6:10 translates a Greek word that means "rule" or "reign." We could translate the phrase, "Thy reign come." That gives a clearer sense of what Christ meant. He prayed that God's rule would be as apparent on earth as it is in heaven.

God's kingdom was the central issue in Christ's ministry. He proclaimed the gospel of the kingdom (Matt. 4:23) and instructed His followers to make the kingdom a priority in their own lives (Matt. 6:33). He told parables about its character and value (Matt. 13) and indicted the scribes and Pharisees for hindering those who sought to enter it (Matt. 23:13). After His death and resurrection, He appeared for forty days giving the disciples further instruction about the kingdom (Acts 1:2-3).

When we pray "Thy kingdom come," we are praying for Christ's sovereign rule to be as established on earth as it is in heaven. In one sense the kingdom is already here—in the hearts of believers. It consists of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom. 14:17). But in another sense the kingdom is yet future. In Luke 17:21 Jesus says, "Behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst" (cf. John 18:36). Their King was present but they rejected Him. Someday He will return again to establish His kingdom on earth and personally reign over it. That's the aspect of the kingdom we pray for in Matthew 6:10.

Sin and rebellion are now rampant, but when Christ's kingdom comes, they will be done away with (Rev. 20:7-9). In the meantime, the work of the kingdom continues and you have the privilege of promoting it through your prayers and faithful ministry. Take every opportunity to do so today and rejoice in the assurance that Christ will someday reign in victory and will be glorified for all eternity.

Suggestions for Prayer

  • Praise God for the glorious future that awaits you and all believers.
  • Pray with anticipation for the coming of Christ's eternal kingdom.

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Praying for Christ's Rule - John MacArthur Daily Devotional (March-18-2024)
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2 comments

  • Comment Link Paul Ssenyonga Saturday, 18 March 2023 22:47 posted by Paul Ssenyonga

    Thy Kingdom that is already here: "It consists of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Rom. 14:17)."

    Is it possible to endure work in a government office with this internal Kingdom? Under what circumstances or to what limit of your tolerance?

  • Comment Link Jim Kettler Friday, 18 March 2022 15:44 posted by Jim Kettler

    I have been studying the "Lord's Prayer" for the past few years. Being impressed with the importance of the prayer and getting a sense of more meaning behind the words, I have adjusted my praying by using the template. I now spend time worshiping and praising our FATHER in Heaven. When I pray "YOUR kingdom come, YOUR will be done on earth, I add "In my life, in my actions, in my mind, and in my heart, as it is in Heaven." Give us this day our daily bread (this is where I thank him for the multitude of blessings he provides daily), and forgive us/me for my trespasses as I/we forgive others. Make my path avoid temptation, but Deliver me from the evil still residing in my flesh and within the world.
    I then go on to pray specifically.
    I have thoroughly enjoyed listening and watching John MacArthur's sermons on YouTube. I learn so much. Thank you for your wonderfully researched and in-depth sermons.

John MacArthur

John MacArthur is the pastor-teacher of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, California, as well as an author, conference speaker, chancellor of The Master’s University and Seminary, and featured teacher with the Grace to You media ministry.

After graduating from Talbot Theological Seminary, John came to Grace Community Church in 1969. The emphasis of his pulpit ministry is the careful study and verse-by-verse exposition of the Bible, ...

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