Collide - Thy Kingdom Come

Collide - Thy Kingdom Come
The Radical Sermon and the Lord's Prayer

The teachings of Yeshua (also known as Joshua or Jesus) in the Sermon on the Mount, preached roughly two thousand years ago in Galilee, were revolutionary. This sermon presented a way of life for God's people that challenged the norms of the world, so much so that it ultimately led to Yeshua's crucifixion and the persecution of his followers for centuries. Within this powerful discourse, Yeshua addressed various aspects of life, including prayer, which is the focus of this teaching.

Matthew chapter 6 delves into the topic of prayer, leading up to what is widely known as the Lord's Prayer. Before presenting this model prayer, Yeshua cautioned his listeners against praying like the Gentiles, who believed they would be heard by their many words and empty phrases. This "pagan theology" assumed that their gods were distant or preoccupied and needed to be manipulated through lengthy or emotional appeals to grant their requests. Yeshua contrasted this with the nature of the "one true God," the God of Israel, who intimately loves his children and already knows their needs before they even ask.

This might seem paradoxical – if God knows our needs, why should we pray? The speaker, Matthew Vander Els, clarifies that prayer, in this context, is not primarily about obtaining material possessions or fulfilling personal desires. Instead, it is about connecting with God on a personal level, fostering intimacy and a shared experience between the believer and their Heavenly Father. The God of Israel is not merely a cosmic Santa Claus, dispensing gifts based on the volume or eloquence of our prayers.

Understanding "Vain Repetitions"

Yeshua's warning against "heaping up empty phrases" has been interpreted in various ways. The King James Version famously uses the phrase "vain repetitions," which has led some to believe that repeating any words or prayers is inherently wrong, even to the point of discouraging those who might stutter or repeat themselves due to excitement. Some commentaries have even suggested that Yeshua was criticizing the Jewish practice of reciting set prayers daily.

However, a closer look at the original Greek word, "battalogeo," reveals that its meaning is not precisely captured by "vain repetitions." It encompasses concepts like babbling, long-windedness, and empty phrases. The context provided by Yeshua – comparing this practice to the Gentiles who think they will be heard for their many words – is crucial for understanding its intent. Yeshua was not condemning the act of repetition itself but rather the motive behind it: the belief that God's attention or favor could be earned or manipulated through the sheer volume or frequency of words.

The speaker points out that repetition is a fundamental aspect of learning and instilling values, as seen in children's songs and Hebrew blessings. Furthermore, Yeshua himself spent entire nights in prayer. The concern is not the length or repetition, but the heart's intention – are we trying to manipulate God, or are we engaging in genuine connection? Historically, standardized prayers have been prevalent in both Judaism and Christianity for centuries, indicating that repetition, when approached with sincerity, is not inherently pagan. In fact, the Gospel of Luke records Yeshua saying, "Every time you pray, say this," suggesting a form of recitation.

The Lord's Prayer: A Kingdom Creed

Following his instructions on how not to pray, Yeshua then presents the model prayer, often called the Lord's Prayer. The speaker emphasizes that this prayer is not merely a rote recitation but a "Kingdom Creed," revealing the core values and mission of Yeshua's followers. Its brevity is also significant, demonstrating that effective prayer is not dependent on length but on intention.

"Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be your name"

The use of "our" signifies that this is intended to be a communal prayer, a prayer said together by the fellowship of believers. Addressing God as "Father" highlights both his intimate love for his children and his sovereign power over all creation. To call God "Father" implies receiving his love and mercy. "Hallowed be your name" signifies the reverence and respect due to God's holy nature.

"Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven"

This is identified as the most exciting verse in the prayer because it encapsulates the essence of the Gospel. It speaks to the original state of creation in Genesis, where heaven and earth were unified, God walked with humanity, and his kingdom was fully present. The fall of man introduced separation and darkness, but God promised reconciliation and the restoration of his kingdom on earth. Yeshua's ministry of love, healing, and forgiveness demonstrated the return of God's kingdom. Believers are called to be ambassadors of Christ, participating in bringing heaven back to earth through their actions.

"Give us this day our daily bread"

This petition alludes to the manna provided to the Israelites daily during their exodus from Egypt. Just as they depended on God for their basic sustenance in the wilderness, followers of Yeshua are called to rely on God for their daily needs as they journey between their redemption (the exodus from sin) and the full realization of God's promises. This mindset fosters generosity; by focusing on basic needs being met, believers are more inclined to share their surplus with others.

"And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors"

Forgiveness is a central theme in Yeshua's teachings and is inextricably linked to generosity. It is a cornerstone of the revolution he initiated. This part of the prayer calls for both receiving and extending forgiveness. Followers of Yeshua are called to forfeit their right to retaliate to offenses, to not respond to anger with anger, but instead to respond with love, mercy, and grace, mirroring Yeshua's self-sacrificial love on the cross.

"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil"

This verse often causes confusion, as it might seem to imply that God leads people into temptation. However, the subsequent phrase, "but deliver us from evil," provides crucial context. Drawing on James 1:13, which states that God cannot be tempted with evil and does not tempt anyone, the speaker clarifies that "temptation" here can also mean test or trial. The emphasis is on God as the rescuer who preserves believers from sin and safely leads them home.

Application for Everyday Life

• Pray the Lord's Prayer daily with intention: Internalize its meaning as a guide for your thoughts, actions, and relationship with God.
• Cultivate a mindset of dependence on God for basic needs: Acknowledge God's provision in your life, fostering gratitude and generosity towards others.
• Practice radical forgiveness: Forgive others as God has forgiven you, releasing bitterness and breaking cycles of retaliation.
• Live as an ambassador of God's Kingdom: Actively work to bring heaven's values of love, justice, and mercy into the world.
• Recognize that your primary mission is not to escape the world but to transform it: Embrace your role in God's plan to restore creation.
• Approach prayer as a means of connecting intimately with God: Focus on building a relationship with your Heavenly Father rather than merely seeking to obtain things.
• When facing trials, trust in God as your rescuer: Petition for guidance and deliverance, knowing that God is faithful to see you through.

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