Out Our Way: Thy kingdom come

Out our way, you learn to love the land or hate it. The big open is a vastness of grandeur and beauty — or an empty wasteland.

Back in seminary, a buddy of mine landed a wonderful position in a large Manhattan church and was telling me bout the magnificent view he had from his apartment.

Looking out from the 40th floor or so, he had a great view of other apartments and office buildings. Steel and glass all around, and solid lines of cars, taxis, busses and millions of folks walking along the sidewalks below … and at night, the sound of horns, sirens and jets taking off from the airport. And he loved it!

On the other hand, friends from back east who come through Montana are often dismayed and upset by the quiet, the open country and the big sky. And they shake their heads and wonder at “old bronco” as they used to call me in my seminary days, for as some joker suggested for a Montana tourism slogan, “There is nothing here.” And that is why I love it.

Christ spoke of the “Kingdom of God “being within us. Now take a moment to consider what constitutes a kingdom. First, there must be a king. Recall, that in ancient times, the king was the absolute ruler. There was no questioning the authority and the right to have that authority for the king. Statues of kings were erected at the borders and throughout the kingdom — just as flags are today — to designate whose was in charge — whose kingdom this was and whose authority was to be obeyed.

Second — the concept of the kingdom is also a means of self identification. I am a member of this or that kingdom. Not only to I accept the authority of my king over my life, but I also accept the protection and benefits the king offers to his people. The king was not just the law, but also the protector and guardian, the one whose job was to serve and protect as well as rule.

Now, the Kingdom of God is not area of land that is marked off by physical boundaries and borders, but is anywhere God rules. In Matthew 6:33, for example, Jesus tells us the way to find the Kingdom of God is to seek His rule and righteousness as your own. Let Christ be in charge and all else will fall into place.

Of course, if you have tried to really become a citizen of God’s kingdom, you know it is easier said than done.  But recall the king is not only the ruler but the protector and guardian. None of us have to attempt to enter the Kingdom under our own power alone — we are simply called to seek it … and trust God to come to our aid.

Recall the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15: 11-32) — and when the foolish son who had rebelled against his father came to his senses and returned, instead of rebuke and punishment the father ran to embrace his beloved son and restore him. This the way of the King whose kingdom we seek. “Thy Kingdom Come” = Thy reign in my heart begin now and my restoration as the child of God. Maranatha! “Come, Lord!” Your child seeks the way home! 

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Brother John Bruingtong and Doc can be reached a [email protected]. The King they serve can be reached any time and any place to any who seek Him.