Our Father in Heaven

The phrase kingdom of heaven is mentioned 33 times in Matthew’s gospel.  

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Our Father In Heaven… 

So let’s call on the God of Heaven who delights in bringing heaven to earth.  I looked up The Lord’s Prayer in the Passion Version and here’s what it said in just the first couple of verses: 

Pray like this: ‘Our Beloved Father, dwelling in the heavenly realms, may the glory of your name be the center on which our lives turn. Manifest your kingdom realm, and cause your every purpose to be fulfilled on earth, just as it is in heaven.”  Matthew 6: 9-10

Let’s park here for just a bit.  The first thing the author does is recognize that God is dwelling in the Heavens and that He is our beloved Father. This is first always.  He is our Beloved Father.  

If this is our example on how to pray what’s the first thing asked for as we pray?  

He asks, “May the glory of your name be the center on which our lives turn.”

It’s like he’s saying, “First things first!”  

So we ask ourselves:  Is Jesus the center of our lives?  

Is our relationship with Him solid?  Is He first in our lives?  Is He front and center?  

I know some of these questions are hard and they are being asked to promote reflection on how much Jesus means to us.  When someone is the center of our world they have the most significant dwelling place in our heart, our mind, and our spirit.  We think about them often if they are central.  The interesting fact is that our heart is centrally located in the center of our bodies.  

So how does Matthew, the writer of this book, proceed after he positions himself?  

He calls on the God of the Heavens to manifest His Kingdom realm on the earth.  

I looked up the word manifest in the dictionary and it said:  Clear or obvious to the eye or mind.” There is another realm in Heaven that he is calling forth to be known on the earth, to be clear and obvious to the naked eye.   

Matthew doesn’t stop there.  He now adds and asks this: 

Cause your every purpose to be fulfilled on earth. 

He wants the purpose of God to be fulfilled, but not just a purpose, but every purpose.   

Matthew is asking for more!  He’s asking for it all.  

He’s asking for God’s plan to be released on the earth. He’s asking for heaven to come to earth.

All the Bible Study text notes will say that this is reference to the future consummation of the kingdom.  That is true; however, I believe that it is for now, as well.  Why?

The kingdom of heaven is the rule of God and is both a present reality and a future hope.  The idea of God’s kingdom is central to Jesus’ teaching and is mentioned 50 times in Matthew alone.  

John the Baptist, the fiery preacher sent to prepare the way for the Lord, began his ministry by declaring,” Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.”  (Matthew 3: 2)

The phrase kingdom of heaven is mentioned 33 times in Matthew’s gospel.  

In heaven, repentance is not needed for there is no sorrow, no pain, nor suffering. Everything in heaven is healed and made whole, past tense.  But in the earth, that’s a different story.  

The number 33 is connected to certain promises made by God.  If Holy Spirit designed for this phrase, kingdom of heaven, to be stated 33 times then maybe He is reminding us of the promises of God, which are yes and amen!  

Yes, the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!  It’s near, it has come, it is within us.  

So what are we doing with the Jesus that is within us?  Are we carrying out His plan, His Kingdom plan?  Are we asking where our sphere of influence is?  

 “Jesus was once asked by the Jewish religious leaders, “When will God’s kingdom come?”
Jesus responded, “God’s kingdom does not come simply by obeying principles or waiting for signs.  The kingdom is not discovered in one place or another, for 
God’s kingdom realm is already expanding within some of you.”  (Luke 17 20-21)

Is God’s Kingdom realm expanding within us?  

Before we answer, realize that there is a realm in God that we have not seen yet as His disciples.  

The Kingdom of God has so much more to offer, in addition to salvation.  

As I write this, there are many of you who have cried out for revival for many years.  You’ve been waiting for the Lord to pour out revival upon this wicked earth, desiring for Jesus to be revealed to many.  The prophet Isaiah cried out for it too, He asked God passionately, “God, if only you would tear open the heavenly realm and come down!  How would the mountains tremble in your awesome presence!”  (Isaiah 64: 1)  

He continued, “In the same way that fire sets kindling to blaze and causes water to boil, let the fire of your presence come down. Reveal to your enemies your mighty name and cause the nations to tremble before you!  When you did amazing wonders we didn’t expect, you came down, and mountains shuddered in your presence!”  (Isaiah 64: 2-3)  

If you are talking with the Father about His Kingdom come, I encourage you to step out and do the works that God has prepared in advance for us to do.  

Prepare and complete the mission, His Great Commission. 

All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me, (and to His disciples).  Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything (faithfully follow) all that I have commanded you. And never forget I am with every day, even to the completion of this age, (the very end of the age.)  (Matthew 28: 18-20, Emphasis added)

Remember as the disciples of Jesus, we “Have been clothed with power from on high.”  (Luke 24: 49)

There is so much more to the Lord’s Prayer we can learn about.  But for now, chew on these couple of verses, until we come together again.   

 

 

 

 


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About the Author

Mary Beth Pecora, a faithful wife, mother, grandmother, friend, worshiper and servant leader, who loves life and loves people. More importantly, she passionately loves God and the fullness of who He is! For twenty-three years she has served in leadership positions within the ministry of Aglow International. Currently, she and her husband serve at The Secret Place--A Psalm 91 Ministry. It's a place for individual folks to come, be exhorted and prayed for, while being ushered to ministry stations within the room. They continue to serve monthly in the Prayer Room at their home church that they have been a part of for almost forty years. In April of 2022 they both received their Ministry License and were Ordained in May of 2023. She delights in encouraging folks of all ages within various walks of life. Her love of writing is now her passion, which led her to publish two books, "Restoration Explosion In The New Year," and "Navigating The Mysteries Of God." Above all that’s been accomplished and concluded, the BEST thing to her is knowing her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He is her everything—her very best friend. Visit: Mybelovedsvoice.com