April 26, 2024
Today’s Reading: The Lord’s Prayer – Second Petition
Daily Lectionary: Leviticus 18:1-7, 20-19:8; Luke 11:1-13
Thy Kingdom Come. What does this mean? The kingdom of God certainly comes by itself without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may come to us also. (The Lord’s Prayer, the Second Petition, Small Catechism)
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Where is God’s kingdom today? We are assured that God’s kingdom comes without our prayer, but where can we see it? How do we know he’s with us, or that we are even a part of His kingdom?
Some want to see a theocracy on earth, where everyone is under a “Christian” ruler who makes sure God’s work and will are done everywhere on earth through legislative and social means.
The problem is that God never promised to work that way in our world. Even the Old Testament kings were only there to get God’s people to the place where the Messiah would come. Certainly, on the Last Day, God will come in great power and glory and we will all live under Him in his eternal kingdom forever, but what about now?
Now, we look for where God Himself promises to be. Where God says He will come to us and grant us His Gifts. God is present everywhere, for He is God; He fills all of creation as the Almighty Creator.
But if you want to meet Him directly, or at least as directly as a sinner can meet the holy and righteous God, you go where He promises that you will see and hear Him. In His Word, in the Divine Service, in His Sacraments.
We call this God’s ‘Kingdom of Grace.’ It is where He promises to hide His indescribable glory behind simple earthly things so that we are able to receive from His hand all of His Gifts without fear of being slain by His glory.
Remember when Isaiah saw God in His glory in the temple and thought He was a dead man (Isaiah 6)? You never have to be afraid of that. Jesus has already come to you, washed you in his blood, raised you from your death, and made you a new creation by His death and resurrection.
God’s gracious kingdom is open to you whenever you gather before His altar. Rejoice that you have such open and free access to the Lord of Creation, for He is always there, ready to give you His Gifts of forgiveness, life, and salvation freely for Jesus’ sake. In the Name + of Jesus. Amen.
Your kingdom come. Guard Your domain And Your eternal righteous reign. The Holy Ghost enrich our day With gifts attendant on our way. Break Satan’s pow’r, defeat his rage; Preserve Your Church from age to age. (LSB 766:3)
– Pastor Duane Bamsch is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church in Grass Valley, CA.
Audio Reflections Speaker: Pastor Jonathan Lackey is the pastor at Grace Lutheran Church, Vine Grove, Ky.
A Complete Guide to Christian Symbols This collection of over 600 hand-drawn Christian symbols by artist and author Edward Riojas will teach you the extensive history of the imagery of the Church. Each symbol is a beautiful and historical connection to generations of Christians that have worshiped before you. A Complete Guide to Christian Symbols. Now available from Concordia Publishing House.
