“I used to be the best saxophone player in this country,” says a character in a story by Marek Hłasko, and his companion replies that what matters is the ending, because the punchline is everything. From that line begins a reflection on the closing words of the Lord’s Prayer: for yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. The sermon shows they are neither a magic spell nor wishful thinking, but a glimpse of the finale John describes in Revelation 19, the judgment of evil and the wedding of the Lamb. Listen if you want to know how the story you are living actually ends.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- In Revelation 19:1-10 the cry "Hallelujah" is heard four times. According to this passage, what is the reason for this joy, and what might it have meant to the persecuted believers John was writing to?
- The church is pictured here as a bride dressed in fine, bright linen, which stands for the righteous deeds of the saints. What does this image say about how Christ sees his church?
- The speaker notes that we often start our prayers with ourselves, while Jesus teaches us to begin with the Father and his kingdom. What order do your prayers usually follow, and what would change if it were different?
- The words "for yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory" could be treated as a magic spell or as wishful thinking. How does the sermon say they differ from both, and what do they mean to you?
- Looking at the war, broken marriages or politics, it is hard to see God's kingdom. What helps you believe that what John saw is more real than what you see every day?
- Joni Eareckson Tada's story shows that in the eyes of her loving husband, a torn veil did not matter. In what situation this week do you want to end your prayer by remembering who is really in charge?
