September 11

Job 39:13-40:24
Psalm 107:1-9
Proverbs 22:11-12
1 Corinthians 15:12-34

A Position of Strength
Then comes the end, when He hands over the kingdom to God the Father, when He abolishes all rule and all authority and power.
—1 Corinthians 15:24

If people are to live securely in this world, then they must cultivate a worldview. They must see the “big picture.” Is this why Jesus, when laying down a pattern for prayer, taught His disciples to focus on the “big picture” of the kingdom of God? Whether it is or not, one thing is certain—when we start off in prayer, gripped by the certainty of God’s coming kingdom, our prayers are launched from a position of strength.

Just as I was about to begin this page, a sales bulletin came in the mail, and on it were the words: “Get the idea—and all else follows.” I thought to myself: When the idea is God’s idea (the kingdom) then, indeed, all else follows. What if we were to begin our prayers, however, by focusing, not on the kingdom of God, but on the kingdoms of this world? We would receive very little motivation from such an action. Man-made empires come and go. Egypt came and went. Syria came and went. Babylon came and went. Greece came and went. Historians tell us that at least twenty-one former great civilizations are extinct. Earthly kingdoms go the way of all flesh.

The kingdom of God, however, unlike earthly kingdoms, is destined for success. Call it triumphalism if you like, but the eventual accomplishment of God’s kingdom has more reliability about it than tomorrow’s dawn. When our minds are permitted to focus on such a tremendous truth, it will not be long before the heart leaps up in confident, believing prayer.

Prayer
Father, I think I get the idea. When I focus my mind on the glory of Your coming kingdom, then, against such a wonderful backdrop, my prayers take on a new boldness and authority. “Get the idea, then all else follows.” Thank You, Father. Amen.

Further Study
Ps 115:1-18; Php 2:10; Heb 1:8; Rv 11:15
How does the psalmist relate heaven and earth?
How can we help to bring the kingdom of heaven to earth?

Every Day with Jesus Daily Bible – September 11