Doing His Will—Now

Theologians are divided about whether the statement of Jesus in the Lord’s Prayer should be translated “in earth as it is in heaven” or “on earth as it is in heaven.” We decided to examine both prepositions, and today we look at the words “on earth.”

Most commentators believe the phrase has reference to the world of human beings who have their home on this earth. In other words—us. Fantastic as it may sound, a day will dawn when this earth will be peopled with those who will do the will of God, not with resentment or resignation, but with rejoicing. That day may not be as far distant as we may think, so we ought to double our efforts in prayer and joyously become involved in bringing our lives in line with His will. One thing is sure—the more you and I conform to His will, the more quickly can His purposes for this earth be realized. John Wesley famously said: “God does nothing redemptively in this world except by prayer.” Can you see what he is saying? The purposes of God for the future will have to cross the bridge of prayer.

This raises the question: how committed are you and I to doing the will of God? Are we hindering or are we promoting the interests of His future kingdom? It is vital that we Christians, both individually and corporately, focus our prayers on this issue with fervency and passion, remembering as we do so that the more abandoned we are to the divine will, the more speedily will His purposes come to pass for the world.

Further Study

Mt 3; Jn 8:29; 1Th 4:1; Heb 13:16

What was the pronouncement from heaven?

Could this be said of your life?