Thy will be done

Matthew 6:10  Your kingdom come. Your will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.

            The chief meaning of this petition is not that we should suffer, but that we should act. With earnest and firm resolve we should set ourselves upon doing that which our own conscious tell us God would have us to do. But let us consider, first, its bearing upon suffering.

1.      Though this is a part of the meaning of the Petition, it is but a small part

a.       God has so constituted the world as for trouble to form part of our common lot, falling upon some but lightly and at distant intervals, and visiting others blow upon until their hearts are bowed down and overclouded with sorrow.

b.      Our reason tells us that to submit to God’s law is wise. But when our own turn comes to suffer, our will rises against God, and it is faith only that can make us say, “Thy will be done” faith in God’s love, in Christ’s salvation and in the promised glory of Christ’s kingdom.

2.      The more important meaning of the petition is “Thy will be done” actively by us, by our earnestly setting ourselves to live a life of faith.

            This is important because it is the true meaning of the petition, not “Thy will be endured,” but “Thy will be done.” It is to be done as in heaven. But there is no suffering in heaven. Besides, the doing of God’s will include the effect. All we can do is by the grace of God. To obtain this grace we must pray.

3.      God will must not only be done, but done as his will

a.       How this is to be is to be seen by our Lord’s example

b.      That is the hardest thing of all, to do God’s will

We can because our natures have been transformed, all selfishness and earthly longing removed, and the image and sin-corrupted breasts.