Kingdom, Power, and Glory

July 16, 2020

For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen (Matthew 6:13).
 
This is properly called a doxology - a hymn of praise - akin to our “Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Praise Him all creatures here below. Praise Him above, ye heavenly host. Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.”
 
 A number of reputable scholars do not believe this doxology to be original with the Model Prayer because it is not found in the oldest and best manuscripts. It is thought to have been added later on by the Roman church when the Model Prayer became part of the Catholic liturgy. However, it is a fitting conclusion to the Model Prayer as the whole prayer focuses on the majesty, honor, glory, and power of God in the life of the petitioner.
 
Listen to the prayer of King David when he prayed in the assembly at the coronation of Solomon as king, Blessed are You, Lord God of Israel, our Father, forever and ever. Yours, O Lord, is the greatness, the power and the glory, the victory and the majesty; for all that is in heaven and in earth is Yours; Yours is the kingdom, O Lord, and You are exalted as head over all (1 Chronicles 29:10-11).
 
God’s Kingdom (basileia) is His rule and reign as Lord in the life of the one praying. It is the second petition at the beginning of this prayer, Your kingdom come. Here the petitioner acknowledges the Kingdom of God already in existence. In reality? Yes. In his heart? Yes. As his reigning Lord? Yes. It is to our benefit we affirm this truth again and again. The more we do so, the more we will see the Lordship of Jesus Christ in everything we think, say, and do. Jesus is Lord of my life; I am not. It is His Kingdom that I serve, not my own.
 
God’s power (dunamis, from which we get the word dynamite) is His energy that is the catalyst for change. It is God’s power which governs and maintains His Kingdom. It is the power that He is. He is omnipotent - all powerful. He is El Shaddai - God Almighty. All power is His. The power to rule over His Kingdom is His. 
 
Here the petitioner acknowledges the supreme power of God over all things, including him/herself. It is His power that will bring His Kingdom to bear on all the kingdoms of men to destroy and replace them, even over our own little kingdoms. It is to our benefit we affirm this truth again and again as well. There is no power so great it can overwhelm the power of God. Rather it is His power that is so great it will overwhelm all other powers.
 
God’s glory (doxa, from which we get the word doxology) is the honor, respect, praise, and worship that He deserves from us. The first petition in the prayer is that God’s name be ‘hallowed’ or made holy in the world and in the life of the believer. Here the petitioner acknowledges that God, who is holy, is to be the recipient of all our worship, praise, respect, and honor. He is worthy of these things for a million more reasons than can be counted. 
 
Forever (into the ages; eternity). Just a simple read through of Revelation 4 & 5 will reveal how true this doxology is. The Lord God will be recognized and praised for His Kingdom and power forever. But why wait until then? Why not begin now?
 
“Father, how excellent is Your name in all the earth! My heart rejoices in knowing You through Your Son, Jesus Christ. I look forward to meeting You face to face in Your coming Kingdom. Until then, I give you all my praise for the loving, gracious, and merciful God that You are to me. Amen.”
 
Pastor

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