This post is a continuation of the series, “Meditations on the Lord’s Prayer.” Read the introductory post here.
“God’s good and gracious will certainly is done without our prayer, but we pray in this petition that it may be done among us also. God’s will is done when he breaks and defeats every evil plan and purpose of the devil, the world, and our sinful flesh, which try to prevent us from keeping God’s name holy and letting his kingdom come. And God’s will is done when he strengthens and keeps us firm in his Word and in the faith as long as we live. This is his good and gracious will” (Luther’s Catechism, Northwestern Publishing House: Milwaukee, 2017, p. 260)
Do you ever think about what God wants for you?
The answer is pretty straightforward but worth pondering, as it sets the foundation for our lives of faith. God wants for you, me, and all people . . .
- to believe in Jesus and have eternal life in his name.
- to live a godly life in everything we think, say, and do.
But how does that happen?
Well, we know from Scripture that we’re saved by God’s grace through faith. And that God-given gift of faith comes from hearing the message—the good news about Jesus and what he has done.
Pray that the Word is taught in all its truth and purity! And pray that where the gospel message is preached, faith is worked by the Holy Spirit in the hearers’ hearts!
Everything changes because salvation is won for and freely given to us by Jesus. With eyes of faith, we see God’s will—his good and perfect will for his creation—differently. As it truly is.
Following God’s will isn’t something we do to earn eternal life. Aside from the fact that we could never earn eternal life by the things we do, salvation is already ours in Jesus! No, following God’s will is something we do to thank God for everything he does for us.
Do we always get that right? Of course not. We’re sinful!
Encouraged by the devil, the world, and the sinful nature, humanity has balked against God’s will ever since Adam and Eve first fell into sin. Sinful people seek to satisfy their desires and wants instead of following God’s will.
Everyone except our Savior Jesus—who fulfilled the psalmists’ words: “Here I am, I have come—it is written about me in the scroll. I desire to do your will, my God; your law is within my heart” (Psalm 40:7-8). Jesus is the only one who said, “Father, your will be done,” and obeyed that will . . . perfectly.
Jesus’ obedience to God’s will was for you and me. By his perfect life, innocent death, and triumphant resurrection, he broke the powers of sin, death, and the devil, crushing them underfoot. He did that for us because God wants us to be in heaven with him.
Isn’t it amazing that even in our lives—our thank offerings to God—Jesus is the one who strengthens and keeps us faithful, drawing us ever closer to him through his Word and sacraments?
In the Third Petition of the Lord’s Prayer, we pray that God would keep doing these things for us and all of his people.
We pray that the gospel message will continue to spread so more and more people believe in Jesus. We pray that God will break down everything that stands opposed to his will—whether it be the plans of the devil, the temptations of the world, or the whispers of our sinful nature. We pray that God will draw us closer to him and strengthen our faith in Jesus so we might live for him our whole lives. Until we join with the saints and angels praising him perfectly in heaven, we fervently pray these things to our heavenly Father.
Your will be done on earth as in heaven.
Looking for practical advice about what it looks like to follow God’s will? By focusing on Scripture and by remaining true to God’s Word, Gospel Motivation: More Than “Jesus Died for My Sins” puts everything into proper perspective for Christians living and serving in God’s kingdom.
Alex Brown is the marketing and content copywriter at Northwestern Publishing House. He has his Master of Divinity degree from Wisconsin Lutheran Seminary and enjoys reading, writing, and spending time in God’s creation.
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