“For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen”
Historically, there has been some debate about whether this line of the Lord’s prayer was in the original scripture manuscripts or whether it was added at a later date by someone trying to give the Lord’s Prayer a more formal sounding ending. The New American Standard Bible places these words in brackets and The English Standard Version and New International Version omit this part of the verse altogether. This can lead us into the deep world of textual criticism, which is certainly beyond the scope of this devotion. Suffice it to say, there is evidence on both sides and for our purposes today, we will consider it a valid part of the prayer. Regardless, this line of the prayer is certainly true and supported by other Biblical text. For example, after King David assembled the building materials for the future temple, he declared, “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the majesty and the splendor… Yours, O Lord, is the Kingdom” (1 Chronicles 29:11).
This line of the Lord’s prayer reminds us to be God-centered. It is God’s kingdom that we are to be about, not our own. Our lives should be in service to point others to God and bring Him glory for He alone is the powerful and mighty God. So often we have a tendency toward believing that we are the center of the universe. Yet, God is the one who is truly on the throne and until this reality is established in our hearts, we will be left feeling empty and confused.
As humans, we are hardwired for worship. To worship God, properly understood, is not drudgery but is a great privilege and joyful experience. Much more than singing songs, it is a complete lifestyle of awe and celebration of who God is. We were created to enjoy God and worship Him. This is God’s gift to us for there is none greater to behold. Yet in this fallen world, separated from God, we are left searching for something to worship in God’s place although nothing truly can replace God. Only God has the majesty, glory, and awesomeness that can sustain our praise forever.
Author C.S. Lewis spoke of our search for a God replacement. We often settle for worshiping something less than God Himself. Lewis writes, “It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” When our lives our God-centered, our lives will overflow with joy. Anything less is second best.
Furthermore, if you find yourself fretting the evil kingdoms of this world or perhaps feeling tempted to focus more on your own little kingdom than God’s, this prayer can create peace knowing that God is always on His throne and will one day make all things right. The evil kingdoms of this world will one day be brought low. Yesterday’s empires are today’s history lessons and tomorrow’s archaeological digs, but the Kingdom of God will remain forever.
Lord, I confess that at times I can be self-centered. Help me to fix my eyes on You and find my meaning and joy in worshiping You. Help me to see that as creator of all, nothing is greater than You. You are worthy of all praise, honor and glory. Be at the center of who I am and all that I do. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen