During the last two and half years of my association with uncle Niketu Iralu, he planted this idea in my mind: “The kingdom of God could be a model for our nation building.”
Indeed, this must have been what Jesus meant when he told his disciples to pray this prayer, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
Just as God is reigning over all heavenly creatures in heaven now, so also he desires to occupy his rightful place to reign over all on earth. Ruling by God on earth was experienced by the Jews during the time of King David as well as in the early years of Solomon’s reign in a limited way. Even Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, after a divine encounter, recognized that it was indeed the God of Daniel who rules above all earthly kingdoms.
Likewise, we must recognize that God wants to rule over our society through his son Jesus who was born to be a King and appointed as Ruler over all. And unlike most politicians who only sit as heads of the government and live off the people, this Jesus will carry the government upon his shoulders—that is, he will serve to support the government and uphold the people (see Isaiah 9:6,7). He is the “perfect politician” because he is called the Wonderful Counselor for his insightful wisdom about our lives, the Almighty God for his all-powerful capability, the Everlasting Father for his caring concern, and the Prince of Peace for his peace-loving nature. His reign will be characterized by justice (no unfair dealings) and righteousness (no corrupt practices).
Then, we must recognize that God wants to establish his kingdom on earth—that is, both in the present and the future. Again, the prophet Isaiah says that in this kingdom of God on earth we would still see people work and build their own houses, and some would even experience premature deaths. However, this earthly kingdom, as God wants it, would be characterized by peace, freedom, and prosperity (see Isaiah 61 and 65). Children would not die in infancy and old people would live out their lives in good health. The poor would eventually be lifted up by good news, the broken-hearted would be healed, the prisoners would be freed, and the landless would be land-ownersagain. People would have decent houses and be prosperous. They would enjoy the fruits of their labor, and never have anyoneextort anything from them. Also, they would experience safety and security, and never have to fear any harm or hurt. Above all, their families would be blessed in every way---such is the vision of God for a good society on earth.
Indeed, this is also what every nation on earth desperately longs for---a peaceful and prosperous society. But then, we want to do it in our own way and under our own terms...without God. In fact, many of us do not want God’s will to interfere with our will. And we do not really believe that he has the right to rule over our society. Perhaps this is the reason why our society is so messed up.
But at this time of Christmas, let’s try something different: Give God a chance to transform us as a people and let’s submit ourselves to His will and invite him to rule over our society. And maybe, we can begin it by sincerely coming to him with this prayer: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done in Nagaland as it is in heaven.” Only when he is given his rightful place to rule over our society can we truly experience a taste of his kingdom amongst us.
Indeed, this must have been what Jesus meant when he told his disciples to pray this prayer, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
Just as God is reigning over all heavenly creatures in heaven now, so also he desires to occupy his rightful place to reign over all on earth. Ruling by God on earth was experienced by the Jews during the time of King David as well as in the early years of Solomon’s reign in a limited way. Even Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon, after a divine encounter, recognized that it was indeed the God of Daniel who rules above all earthly kingdoms.
Likewise, we must recognize that God wants to rule over our society through his son Jesus who was born to be a King and appointed as Ruler over all. And unlike most politicians who only sit as heads of the government and live off the people, this Jesus will carry the government upon his shoulders—that is, he will serve to support the government and uphold the people (see Isaiah 9:6,7). He is the “perfect politician” because he is called the Wonderful Counselor for his insightful wisdom about our lives, the Almighty God for his all-powerful capability, the Everlasting Father for his caring concern, and the Prince of Peace for his peace-loving nature. His reign will be characterized by justice (no unfair dealings) and righteousness (no corrupt practices).
Then, we must recognize that God wants to establish his kingdom on earth—that is, both in the present and the future. Again, the prophet Isaiah says that in this kingdom of God on earth we would still see people work and build their own houses, and some would even experience premature deaths. However, this earthly kingdom, as God wants it, would be characterized by peace, freedom, and prosperity (see Isaiah 61 and 65). Children would not die in infancy and old people would live out their lives in good health. The poor would eventually be lifted up by good news, the broken-hearted would be healed, the prisoners would be freed, and the landless would be land-ownersagain. People would have decent houses and be prosperous. They would enjoy the fruits of their labor, and never have anyoneextort anything from them. Also, they would experience safety and security, and never have to fear any harm or hurt. Above all, their families would be blessed in every way---such is the vision of God for a good society on earth.
Indeed, this is also what every nation on earth desperately longs for---a peaceful and prosperous society. But then, we want to do it in our own way and under our own terms...without God. In fact, many of us do not want God’s will to interfere with our will. And we do not really believe that he has the right to rule over our society. Perhaps this is the reason why our society is so messed up.
But at this time of Christmas, let’s try something different: Give God a chance to transform us as a people and let’s submit ourselves to His will and invite him to rule over our society. And maybe, we can begin it by sincerely coming to him with this prayer: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done in Nagaland as it is in heaven.” Only when he is given his rightful place to rule over our society can we truly experience a taste of his kingdom amongst us.
