“If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.” -Jesus (Luke 9:23)
“Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”
What is it Jesus is asking us to pray? How is God’s will done in heaven? It seems to me that God is the “Boss” of heaven and that His will is done without dispute and without delay. Is that possible here on earth? Many don’t even believe in God and others directly rebel against His will and ways. So what is it Jesus is asking us to pray for?
Each of us, as believers has given Jesus the position of Lord in our lives. To be sure we are in a constant state of growth and developement in that area, but to be a Christian is to be a “follower” of Christ. This means that we have become part of His Kingdom and are under His authority. Therefore, His will should be done in our lives as it is wherever He reigns…without dispute and without delay.
Perhaps this part of the prayer is a reminder as well as a request. A reminder that we are no longer our own. A reminder that we live to do His will which is not always in line with ours. Jesus told His disciples in Luke that following Him meant that you must deny yourself. You are willingly yielding to the will of God. You are saying “not my will but yours be done” as Jesus modeled in the garden of Gethsemane.
The trouble comes when our will and God”s will collide and we are confronted with a choice. It is not always a choice between right and wrong. Sometimes it’s a choice between good and better or better and best. Jesus told us,
“No one can serve two masters.” (Matthew 6:24)
How hard is it for God to accomplish His will in your life. Some of us are like rebellious teenagers who kick and scream all the way to a blessing. To pray “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven” is to pray that God’s will would be done in you today without dispute and without delay.
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.