Thy Will

Matthew 6:10

Recently we studied the Sermon on the Mount. Jesus begins on a positive note with the Beatitudes, those precious blessings offered to those who sincerely mourn over their sins, and then act out the character of God. Throughout the sermon we sense the yearning heart of God. He longs for relationship with His people. What a challenge to those who see God as harsh in His judgments. Those who are pure in heart will actually see God, day by day.

As Jesus’ teaching flows through the laws of the Old Testament, He also reminds us today of something else. “Thy will” or “Your will” as more modern versions put it. What do you and I know about the will of God in the twenty-first century? Is it really relevant in this day and age when human distinction favours scientific exploration as truth?

Perhaps we need to start with the first words of Jesus’ prayer: “Our Father”. Who can truly call God “Father”? It is those who have seen Him – those seeking purity of heart….perhaps those who are willing to humble themselves before God by obeying His laws. I find it interesting that Jesus developed a theme as He reviewed laws pertaining to murder and adultery, divorce and remarriage, oaths and reconciliation. Are any of these hot topics in the church today? Do we really teach “Thy will”?

A pet peeve of mine, I just admit, is keeping the Sabbath. We don’t. We are not Jewish, and so we excuse ourselves in order to celebrate Sunday as the day of rest. Who of us honestly rests, taking time to be alone with God, on a Sunday? And Satan laughs! We go to church don’t we, and perhaps have fellowship at the Swiss Chalet afterwards? But does our conversation even bend towards things of God in that “fellowship” we find so needful?

God spoke through the prophets so His people then and now would know Him. He asks “…who is he who will devote himself to be close to me?…so you will be My people and I will be your God” (Jeremiah 30:21-22). N.B. “I will” identifies the purpose of God. “If My people, who are called by My name, will humble themselves and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land”. (2 Chronicles 7:14) The will of God is so clear here, isn’t it?

“Holy Holy Holy – Lord God Almighty” begins an old hymn lifting God up as Holy. This “Holy” God calls you and me to be like Him – to be pure in heart so that we might actually see Him. Real worship begins when we see God. At least that is what Jesus taught. This is why “Thy Will be done on earth as it is in heaven” is crucial to our prayers (Matthew 6:10).

How many times do we pray for our family and friends to be relieved of illness or discomfort, focusing on physical needs? What do we know about the will of God teaching us through temptation and trials? Think of it – our Lord endured both. Will we allow God’s will to accomplish His purposes?

Reflection:

What do you know about seeking the face of God? So, when you pray do you come with confidence or contrition? Do you pause to sense His presence when you pray? These are real questions, and there are more, which I must ask myself as I come to God in prayer. This is why Jesus taught His disciples to pray “Thy will”. Considering the magnificent possibilities, “Thy will “ becomes crucial to my prayers!