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In other words, the way to understand the Tribulation is to see it as the systematic fulfillment of the Lord’s Prayer. Remember the words of Christ that are to frame our daily lives? We call it the Lord’s Prayer, but it is actually our mission statement for all our earthly life. The first three elements deeply impact our understanding of Revelation 4-5. They are these words:
“Our Father, Who art in Heaven, Hallowed by Thy Name”: is a summary of Revelation 4, and the holy scene of constant adoration and worship around the Throne of God in Heaven.
“Thy Kingdom come”: that second phrase is the summary of the constant repetition of the word “Throne” (eleven times) in Revelation 4-5. That is a reminder that God is the Great King of all the Universe. He sits enthroned in Heaven. We bow with all of creation before Him. That bowing starts when we bow in the humble repentance of salvation to Him as our Lord, Master, and Savior.We live a life of reverent submission, which is what walking in the Spirit, pleasing God, and life of progressive sanctification is all about.
“Thy will be done on Earth as it is in heaven”: this third phrase bridges the scene of us in Heaven worshipping around the Throne, and us here on Earth growing in our desire to love, serve, and follow our Lord and our God. But this phrase is also a conundrum: why does such a powerful Omnipotent God allow evil to run amok? When will He finally put an end to all rebellion and sin, and finally right all wrongs?
Each time we pray we are asking God to come back and take this rebel world back under His direct control, that prayer will be answered in God’s perfect time.
But we also pray: Lord, bring me under Your control. I want to be zealous for you. I want to do your will and redeem my time for what pleases You.
Invite God’s rule over every part of your life today as we stand and pray those wonderful words of reminder back to our Redeemer!