Reading: 2 Peter 3:11–13
Every so often I have this thought: what if someone from outer space was able to look down and view my every action throughout the day—what would they think? Would they see someone faithfully fulfilling their vocations, living in holiness and godliness? No doubt they would see sin; I am not perfect. But hopefully they would see someone about the work of the kingdom of God.
In the Lord’s Prayer, we pray “Thy kingdom come.” The Small Catechism says, “What does this mean? The kingdom of God certainly comes by itself without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may come to us also. How does God’s kingdom come? God’s kingdom comes when our heavenly Father gives us His Holy Spirit, so that by His grace we believe His holy Word and lead godly lives here in time and there in eternity.”
May you be about the work of the kingdom, living lives of holiness and godliness this day, knowing you have been justified by His grace.
Prayer
Gracious Father, we await the kingdom that is to come. While we wait, strengthen us with Your Holy Spirit through Your Word that we might live lives of holiness and godliness; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Hymn
I’m looking for the coming of Christ.
I want to be with Jesus.
When we have run with patience the race,
We shall know the joy of Jesus.
In Him there is no darkness at all.
The night and the day are both alike.
The Lamb is the light of the city of God.
Shine in my heart, Lord Jesus. (LSB 411:3)
Joseph Highley (Sem IV, CSL)