Left Behind: Thy Kingdom Come - Literally - Dispensational (Matthew 6:9-13)

Imagine for a moment a small, sun-drenched village nestled in the hills of Israel, where the air is fragrant with blooming jasmine and the sound of laughter fills the streets. In this village, there’s a beloved old man named Eli. Every day, children gather at his feet, their eyes wide with wonder as he tells stories of the coming Kingdom—a time when justice will reign, the broken will be healed, and peace will envelop the land like a warm embrace.

Eli, with his weathered hands and twinkling eyes, often recites the Lord's Prayer, but for him, it's not just a ritual; it's a heartfelt cry for something profoundly real. "Thy kingdom come," he utters, his voice filled with longing. He knows that the prayer isn't merely a hopeful wish; it's a promise of a future reality. In the midst of their daily struggles—the hunger, the despair, the anxiety about tomorrow—Eli’s words anchor the villagers in a profound hope. They pray for the day when the Kingdom of God will break through their mundane existence, transforming it into a vibrant community of love and joy.

When Eli speaks of "Deliver us from evil," his voice quivers with expectation, as he imagines a day when the darkness of their trials will be forever vanquished. This prayer, rich with prophetic anticipation, invites them to live in the tension of the now and the not-yet. They are reminded that while they wait, their prayers matter. Each "Thy kingdom come" they utter is a step toward the fulfillment of that promise, where the Kingdom will not just be a distant hope but a tangible reality.

Eli’s stories echo in their hearts, stirring in them a sense of purpose and unity. As they gather in the evening, under a canopy of stars, they lean in closer, eager to hear how their everyday lives can reflect the Kingdom they so fervently pray for. And in that moment, they understand: their prayers are not just words; they are seeds of hope, planted in the rich soil of faith, waiting for the day when God will bring them to glorious fruition.