096. MAT 6:10. THE COMING OF GOD’S KINGDOM, AND UNIVERSAL OBEDIENCE

Mat_6:10. The Coming of God’s Kingdom, and Universal Obedience

"Thy kingdom come: thy will be done in earth as it is in heaven."’97Mat_6:10.

Let us,

I. Illustrate the Petitions in the Text.

"Thy kingdom come."

The word "kingdom" is, more plainly reign. The reign of God is of a threefold character.

1. His essential reign.

Over all, in heaven, earth, and hell.

2. His providential reign Over the earth, and all its inhabitants Upholding all things; surveying, directing and preserving all things, beasts, birds, &c. Clothes the grass, &c.

3. His gracious reign.

Called the kingdom of heaven, of God, of righteousness, &c. His spiritual empire upon earth. That which is opposed to the reign of sin, and misery, and death. God reigning in the person of his Son. Now, this gracious kingdom is only partially established: its complete and universal spread is desired in the text. When it is answered, millions of Pagans, Mahomedans, and Jews shall know Christ. His name be exalted from the rising to the setting of the sun. Supposed by many, that this will only be effected by the personal appearing of the great God, our Saviour Jesus Christ. It appears evident, that the following things will be essential to the coming of his kingdom:

(1) A door of access must be opened to many countries now closed against the gospel. In China, many millions ignorant of Christ, and the door closed. Turkey, &c. Gospel is smuggled into these places. Way must be broken up, &c.

(2) The number of gospel laborers must be increased manifold; Harvest great, &c.’97field, the world’97laborers few. Men must be raised up. Thousands of Brainerds, of Careys, of Morrisons, &c., &c., are necessary.

(3) The influences of the Holy Ghost must be copiously poured out. Not by might, &c. Spirit breathed upon the dry bones, &c.’97qualified the apostles, &c. Still essential. O for the copious descent! The evangelizing torrent!

Now, the second petition of the text is grounded on the first, and is dependent on its completion, viz.:

"That the Will of God may be done in Earth as it is in Heaven."

God’s will is the appointment of his own mind’97that which is agreeable to his own perfections’97and which is revealed as the duties of his creatures. This will is done in heaven by all its inhabitants with delightful constancy and perfection. This petition, therefore, includes,

1. That God’s will may be known to all in earth.

"God be merciful unto us, and bless us, and cause his face to shine upon us. That thy way may be known upon earth; and by saving health among all nations;" Psa_67:1, Psa_67:2. For so it is in heaven.

2. That God’s will be acknowledged and obeyed by all in earth.

Of all classes, countries, climes, colors &c. All men be blessed in Christ, and call him blessed. All know him practically, experimentally, savingly. Every tongue bless, every heart love, every life magnify him. For so it is in heaven.

3. That all on earth may do his will perfectly.

Every thing be holy to the Lord. The people all righteous; and righteous in the highest degree; Zec_14:20, Zec_14:21. So it is in heaven.

4. That all on earth may do his will constantly.

No intermission; no apostacies. Serve him always, and on all occasions, and in all places. For so it is in heaven.

5. That his will may be done in earth cheerfully and with the greatest delight.

Delight to do his will. Serve the Lord with gladness and singing. Every heart a throne; and every mouth a song. For so it is in heaven.

II. The Grounds on which we should urge the Petitions of the Text.

1. On the ground of equity.

The earth is the Lord’s; the work of his hands; the theatre of his wondrous works’97works of goodness and truth’97works of mercy and grace. He has, therefore, an unalienable right to the homage of its inhabitants. It is his right to reign. Satan is an usurper, &c.

2. On the ground of benevolence.

His kingdom is a kingdom of knowledge, righteousness, peace and joy. Where’er he reigns, happiness is diffused, and misery is banished. If we love mankind; if we desire the best interests of undying spirits to be secured; then we shall fervently pray: "Thy kingdom come," &c. It is grounded,

3. On its influence on our happiness.

We cannot seek the glory of God in the extension of his cause, without receiving essential benefit in our own hearts. Besides, is it not highly probable, from the prophecies of revelation, that when Jesus shall have established his kingdom, and shall reign in the midst of it, that he shall bring all his saints with him, so that we may indulge the blessed hope of having a part in the first resurrection, and reign with him forever and ever? "Even so, come Lord Jesus: come quickly. Amen."

Autor: JABEZ BURNS