what does thy kingdom come mean

What Does Thy Kingdom Come Mean

Today we will talk about what does thy kingdom come mean. Many Christians do not know what this means. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word. The phrase “Thy kingdom come” comes from the Lord’s Prayer found in Matthew 6:9-13 and Luke 11:2-4, where Jesus teaches His disciples how to pray. It expresses a yearning for God’s reign to be manifested on Earth as it is in Heaven. This prayer is not just a request; it is a wake-up call for believers to recognize God’s authority and sovereignty in their lives and the world around them.

In this piece, we will explore several dimensions of “Thy kingdom come”, examining its meanings in Hebrew and Greek, historical perspectives, and how it applies to our everyday lives. We’ll use Scripture to guide our understanding, ensuring that we root our insights in God’s Word. So, let’s get started and see what the Bible tells us about embracing God’s kingdom.

The Meaning of ‘Kingdom’ in Scripture

The word “kingdom” in the Biblical sense can carry a rich and multi-faceted meaning. In Hebrew, the word for kingdom is “malkuth” (מַלְכוּת), which implies a royal reign or sovereignty. It often describes the rule of a king over a territory or people. In Greek, the term “basileia” (βασιλεία) translates as a realm or dominion. This term emphasizes not just the territory but the rule and authority associated with it as well.

When praying “Thy kingdom come,” we’re acknowledging that God is King, and we desire His lordship to be evident in our lives. This is much more than a passive wish; it’s an active longing for God’s presence and His values to permeate our realities. Jesus models this during His ministry, demonstrating kingdom principles through His actions and teachings, emphasizing love, justice, kindness, and mercy (Matthew 5-7).

This longing for the Kingdom is echoed throughout Scripture. For instance, Isaiah 9:6-7 speaks of a coming a kingdom led by the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, emphasizing a reign defined by peace and justice. Similarly, Psalm 145:13 states, “Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations.” This reflects God’s unchanging nature and eternal sovereignty, inviting us to trust in His provisions and rule.

In the New Testament, Jesus ushers in a new understanding of the Kingdom that is relational rather than merely territorial. Consider Matthew 4:17, where Jesus begins His ministry proclaiming, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” He emphasizes that the Kingdom of God is a present reality instituted through His teachings and actions. This shift draws us into an engaging relationship with God, beckoning us to partake in His mission of love and reconciliation.

Furthermore, we observe in Luke 17:20-21 that the Kingdom is not something we can observe as if it were an external structure. Jesus says, “The kingdom of God is within you,” highlighting that God’s reign starts in our hearts. This inner transformation empowers us to affect change in our surroundings, allowing His kingdom values to influence how we live and relate to each other. Just as Paul notes in Romans 14:17, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.” The essence of God’s Kingdom comes alive when we embody these characteristics in our daily lives.

Theological Implications of ‘Thy Kingdom Come’

The phrase “Thy kingdom come” also speaks volumes about our relationship with God. It invites a reflective inquiry into God’s nature as a loving Father and King, encouraging us to desire His will and ways to be realized on Earth. The implications of this request reveal layers of trust and surrender. Each time we voice this prayer, we are essentially saying, “I want what You want, God.”

This yearning is foundational to Christian ethics. In Matthew 6:33, we are reminded to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness.” This speaks to prioritizing God’s reign in our lives above everything else. We’re encouraged to reassess our goals, desires, and even our decisions, inviting God’s wisdom to shape our objectives and actions. This can feel challenging, especially in a world filled with trappings that can lead us astray. Yet, we should approach God earnestly, knowing that He desires to align our hearts with His vision (Proverbs 16:9).

Moreover, looking at Romans 12:2, we are reminded to “not conform to the patterns of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” We are called to live differently, embodying the values of God’s Kingdom—a kingdom marked by love, compassion, honesty, and selflessness. Thus, “Thy kingdom come” becomes a rallying cry for how we are to conduct ourselves in a society filled with challenges that stand contrary to God’s heart.

Additionally, it’s essential to recognize that while we pray for God’s Kingdom to manifest more fully, we already live in the “in-between” of the Kingdom’s inauguration through Christ’s coming and its future consummation in glory. Revelation 11:15 echoes this anticipation: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Messiah, and He will reign for ever and ever.” This gives us hope and perspective, motivating us to be actively engaged in our communities, working towards the values of God’s Kingdom, and sharing the love of Christ with those around us.

Jesus’ parables further illustrate the nature of God’s Kingdom. For example, in Matthew 13:31-32, it is compared to a mustard seed, the smallest of seeds, which grows into a large tree. In this, we grasp that God’s Kingdom may start small but has the inherent power to grow expansively, indicating the transformative power of God’s reign even in the lives we may view as insignificant. By trusting that God is at work, we cultivate a hopeful and forward-looking faith.