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Most mornings I like to drink coffee, read the Bible and pray the Lord’s Prayer. I have been reading through Exodus and recently read chapter 19. Finishing the chapter, I began praying the Lord’s prayer. Then it hit me. They have a lot in common! Let’s take a look.
In the Lord’s Prayer and Exodus 19:5-6, we find remarkable similarities that reveal essential aspects of our relationship with God. Both passages emphasize holiness, the establishment of God’s kingdom, obedience to His will, and the profound truth that we are treasured possessions in His eyes. Through a closer examination of these shared themes, we can gain a deeper understanding of our identity and purpose as God’s chosen people.
Holiness: Reflecting God’s Nature
The Lord’s Prayer begins with the acknowledgment of God’s holiness with the phrase, “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.” By starting our prayers with reverence for God’s holiness, we acknowledge His pure and perfect nature. In Exodus 19:5, God calls the people of Israel to be a “holy nation,” set apart for Him. Both passages underscore the importance of reflecting God’s character in our lives and striving for holiness in all aspects.
As believers, we are called to pursue a life of holiness, marked by love, righteousness, and obedience to God’s commandments. By living out this distinctiveness, we become a living testimony to God’s glory and grace, drawing others closer to Him.
Kingdom: God’s Sovereign Rule
The Lord’s Prayer contains the petition, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” This plea expresses our longing for God’s kingdom to be established on Earth, signifying His reign over every aspect of our lives. Similarly, in Exodus 19:6, God designates the people of Israel as a “kingdom of priests,” intended to represent Him and His rule to the nations.
As members of God’s family, we have the privilege of participating in His kingdom. Our daily choices, actions, and attitudes should align with His will, reflecting His lordship in our lives. By actively seeking His kingdom and its righteousness, we become ambassadors of His love, peace, and justice, bringing hope and transformation to a broken world.
Obedience to God’s Will: Embracing Our Covenant
The Lord’s Prayer includes the plea, “Your will be done,” which expresses our surrender to God’s divine plan. In Exodus 19:5, God’s promise of making the Israelites His treasured possession is contingent upon their obedience to His voice and keeping His covenant.
Obedience to God’s will is not a mere obligation but a pathway to experiencing His blessings and favor. By following His guidance, we align ourselves with His purpose for our lives and open ourselves to His transformative power. God’s desire is not for blind obedience, but for a loving, intimate relationship with Him, where we willingly submit to His will, trusting in His goodness and wisdom.
Treasured Possession: Chosen and Cherished
In both passages, the concept of being God’s treasured possession stands out prominently. The Lord’s Prayer reminds us that we address God as “Our Father,” signifying our adoption into His family, making us His cherished children. Similarly, in Exodus 19:5, God calls the people of Israel His treasured possession among all the nations.
Knowing that we are treasured by God should fill our hearts with gratitude and humility. This understanding reinforces our identity and purpose, motivating us to live lives that honor and glorify Him. Recognizing our worth in His eyes empowers us to walk boldly in our faith, sharing His love and grace with others.
In the Lord’s Prayer and Exodus 19:5-6, we find helpful insights into our relationship with God. Through the themes of holiness, God’s kingdom, obedience to His will, and being His treasured possession, we discover our identity as beloved children of the Almighty. As we embrace these shared elements, let us walk in holiness, submit to His will, and spread the light of His kingdom to the dark world around us. Embracing our identity as God’s treasured possession empowers us to live happy lives with purpose and significance, impacting others with His love and grace.
I read something disturbing the other day in 1 Thessalonians 2. Paul wanted to go to 
Thessalonica to encourage the believers there. He loved and missed the small band of brothers and sisters there. He had to flee the city just months before for fear of his life. He said he tried again and again to return, but he couldn’t go. Why? Because Satan hindered him. What’s up with that? How could Satan hinder the great Apostle Paul? At first I didn’t get it. Could not understand. I thought of an ant trying to hinder an elephant on his journey. Paul was going to do the Lord’s work, but Satan kept him from it. It made no sense to me.
Then I began to study the issue. I dug deeper into God’s Word. I pondered the situation and began to chew on the problem. Many times that is what we have to do to find the truth behind the truth in the Holy Scripture.
I read a commentary that mentioned how Satan can hinder the will of man, but can never hinder the Will of God. It was Paul’s will to go to Thessalonica, but it was not God’s will. Sometimes God closes one good door of ministry, or allows Satan to close it, because God is opening another door to a better ministry opportunity. Such was the case with Paul. Paul wrote those words from the city of Corinth, which, it seems, he didn’t like so much. He was getting frustrated and fed up with the people there. He wanted to get out of Dodge and head back to Thessalonica. But God, but God, had different plans. In order to grow the Kingdom God’s way, Paul needed to stay put in Corinth. God revealed this to Paul, and he not only learned to be content in Corinth, but he prospered.
The second thing I learned about this initially disturbing passage, was the Greek meaning of the Word “hinder”. It means to build a trench to to slow down or stop an enemy. It is what armies do when they are retreating and want to slow down or stop an enemy from advancing and inflicting damages. I thought of the Civil War. General Grant is attacking General Lee’s army. It’s 1864. Grant has an overwhelming force compared to Lee. Several times Grant would attack, and Lee would fall back and dig trenches in order to stop Grant. Usually Grant would attack and be held off, suffering thousands of casualties in the process. Then Grant would try and go around Lee. Lee would pull back again and dig more trenches, and hold Grant back yet again. It took awhile, but Grant, with superior strength and numbers, eventually caused the surrender of Lee at Appomattox in 1865.
That’s all Satan can do against Christians and the power of the Kingdom of God. Retreat. Give up ground. Dig trenches. Retreat again. Dig more trenches. And the Kingdom of God keeps advancing against a significantly weaker foe.
So what is Satan hindering the Apostle Paul all about? It’s about God will being done, not ours. It’s about God having a better plan than we do. It’s about Satan and his beastly hordes always on the defensive, always beating a quick retreat and digging futile trenches to try and slow the advance of almighty God and His Christian Soldiers. All this because God loves us, and although we might lose the occasional battle, we can be sure of eventually winning the war. How do I know? I’ve read the end of the Book, and we win! What a happy note to end with.
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I’ve read the back of the book and we win,
no more livin’ in darkness we’ll be living at home with HIM.
You see there’s no need to worry about it if you’re born again.
I’ve read the back of the book and we win.
To Enjoy God 