Thy Kingdom Come is an ecumenical prayer movement across the world, this year taking place between 29 May and 8 June. Throughout this period, our bishops and members of our senior team will be sharing reflections on prayer. Today’s video was recorded by Bishop Philip – watch the video or read the transcript below.
Brothers and sisters across this great Diocese of Winchester, it’s a great pleasure to bring you the first of these reflections and prayers for this season, which we’ve come to know as Thy Kingdom Come, between the two great Christian festivals of the Ascension and Pentecost.
I’m speaking to you today on Ascension Day. And I think this is one of the most important and yet so easily overlooked festivals in the Christian calendar. Important because we need to remember what it was that Jesus ascended to do.
In simplest terms, he ascended to be seated, to be seated at the right hand of his Father. But why seated? Well, for two reasons. First, because his work was finished, it was complete. He rests, his work done, just as his father rested on the last day of creation. And Jesus’ work was finished on the cross. ‘It is finished’ was his great cry. There’s nothing else for him to do.
Our salvation is secure forever in Jesus. He is seated at the Father’s throne, his work done. And then again, he is seated on a throne. He is seated to reign and rule far above all rule, authority, power and dominion in this age or in the age to come.
So again, we are so secure and safe because we’re in the hands of one who is Lord of all. But here’s the amazing thing. The letter to the Ephesians, which talks about Jesus being seated over every rule and authority, then goes on to say this, that it is by grace we’ve been saved and God raised us up with Christ and did what? Seated us with him in the heavenly realms. So, we too have a seat in heaven. What a remarkable status is ours.
We are seated with Jesus in the heavenly realms. And it’s in the light of that security, the absolute finished work of Jesus, his rule over all, and our reigning and ruling secure in heaven with him. It’s in the light of that, that I believe that we can pray, Thy Kingdom Come. We are part of that kingdom. We reign with him.
So, we pray for the coming of his rule over all creation. So, in that light and at the beginning of this season, let us pray together now.
Lord Jesus, we thank you that you are seated to reign, your work finished. Thank you that our place with you, one that we have not earned but is your gift, is secure forever, that we have a home and a place in heaven. And as those who belong with you, help us to work for you here in this world.
And help us to pray in this season for the coming of your kingdom, knowing that it is not a vain hope, it is a present reality and will one day come in all its fullness. So, Lord, together we pray, Thy Kingdom Come. Amen.
