In Thomas Watson's exposition of the Lord's Prayer this third phrase is his favourite. He writes over 100 pages (30% more than any other phrase). A considerable amount of his attention is given to exploring what this kingdom we pray for is. Some of his suggestions and comments are worth pondering. The ones that follow focus on the bad we shall be freed from; tomorrow's list will focus on the good we will receive.
"By this kingdom is meant, that glorious estate which the saints shall enjoy when they shall reign with God and angels forever. If a man stand upon the sea-shore, he cannot see all the dimensions of the sea, its length, breadth, and depth, yet he may see it is of vast extension; so the kingdom of heaven is of such incomparable excellence. Neither tongue of man or angels can express, yet we may conceive of it to be an excitedly glorious thing, such as the eye has not seen."
It is a blessed freedom from all evil.
"We are in this life subject to many necessitates; we need food to nourish us, clothes to cover us, armour to defend us, sleep to refresh us; but in the kingdom of heaven there will be no need of these things; and it is better not to need them than to have them. Just as it is better not to need crutches than to have them."
We shall be freed from the imperfections of nature.
"In this life our natural knowledge is imperfect and chequered with ignorance...our divine knowledge is imperfect. But in the kingdom of heaven the veil shall be taken off,, all imperfections of nature shall be done away...we shall have a full knowledge of God."
We shall be freed from the work of this life.
"There need be no labour when a person has come to heaven...when God had finished the work of creation, He rested from His labours, so, when his saints have finished the work of sanctification, they rest from theirs."
We shall be free of all sorrows.
"We may as well separate moisture from air, or weight from lead, as troubles from a person's life...but in the kingdom of heaven, sorrow and sighing shall fly away. Here the saints sit by the rivers weeping, but one smile from Christ's face will make them forget all their sufferings. Their water shall then be turned into wine, their mourning into singing."
We shall be freed from all doubts and worries.
"A Christian is like a ship at anchor, which, though safe, may sometimes be tossed upon the water. Sometimes a Christian questions his interest in Christ, and his title to the promise. As these doubts eclipse a Christian's comfort, so they bear false witness against the Spirit. But, when the saints shall come into the kingdom of heaven, there shall be no more doubts...."
We shall be freed from all divisions.
"The saddest thing in the world is to see divisions among them that are good. It is sad that such as have one faith, should not be of one heart.... But in the kingdom of heaven...those who before could hardly pray together, shall praise God together. There shall not be one jarring string in the saints' music."
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF
- Which of Watson's suggestions most captures your hope?
- How might you pray with a longing for that particular promise and hope?
NOTE: I have attempted to simply some of Watson's language. If you wish to read more of his thoughts, bravely click here.