“For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” – Matthew 6:13, NKJV

As we saw earlier, the lesson on prayer comes right in the middle of the discourse about personal Christian living and conduct (Sermon on the Mountain), which starts at Matthew 5:1 and ends at Matthew 7:27.

The idea that the kingdom and the power and the glory belong to our God forever is the golden thread that ties the whole discourse, indeed the whole Bible, together.

The ‘Kingdom of God’ is a central biblical and theological concept, grounded in several foundational factors.

The crucial message that the Lord is communicating here is that the way we lead our daily lives in the society must be dictated by the truth that it’s our God who is on the throne, and to whom all the power and the glory belongs – not us, not the devil, not anyone else!

It’s not you who is in control of your life, brother.

It’s not the devil who is in charge of your world, sister.

God is, and because He is, then you’re able to navigate this world and live a life that pleases Him.

Indeed, the Book of Matthew consistently makes reference to the term ‘Kingdom of God/heaven’ – more than 30 times.

Several fundamental elements form the basis of the biblical and theological concept of the ‘Kingdom of God,’ and topmost among them being God’s omnipotence and Jesus Christ’s central role.

At its core, the ‘Kingdom of God’ refers to the dynamic rule and authority of God over all creation.

This is not a physical territory, but the active exercise of God’s kingship – His will being done “on earth as it is in heaven.

The Old Testament speaks of God’s universal kingship where His Kingdom rules over all (Psalm 103:19), while the New Testament proclaims its arrival through Jesus (Mark 1:15).

The universal vision of God’s sovereignty underpins the Church’s mission and the call to welcome all people into God’s family, regardless of race, tribe, gender or social standing.

The Kingdom of God is inseparable from the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus inaugurated the Kingdom through His teachings, miracles, death, and resurrection.

He embodies and reveals God’s reign, calling people to repentance and faith (Mark 1:15).

In Christian theology, Christ is both the herald and the fulfillment of the Kingdom.

Additionally, the Kingdom of God is both a present reality and a future hope. Jesus taught that the Kingdom is “in the midst of you” (Luke 17:21), signifying its current spiritual presence.

Yet, the fullness of God’s reign awaits future consummation (Revelation 11:15). It is this “already/not yet” tension that shapes Christian life and mission.

In addition, the Kingdom of God calls for a new way of living marked by justice, peace, love, forgiveness and righteousness (Romans 14:17).

It transforms individuals and communities – challenging believers to embody Kingdom values—caring for the needy, seeking reconciliation, and living out God’s will in daily life.

This entire passage of the ‘Sermon on the Mount’ exemplifies this ethical vision.

Last but not least, the Kingdom of God transcends all human boundaries—ethnic, social, and national.

It is open to all who respond to God’s invitation, reflecting God’s desire for reconciliation and unity among all people (Isaiah 9:7; Matthew 8:11).

This universal vision underpins the Church’s mission and the call to welcome all people into God’s family, regardless of race, tribe, gender or social standing.

Because of the assurance we have that the kingdom belongs to God, we can all live together peacefully as one family, fulfilling our God-given mandate to proclaim the Gospel and take care of the Earth. Amen