Court of Heaven - The Lord's Prayer

The Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 11:2-4) is a model prayer given by Jesus to His disciples. It contains important teachings about the nature of God, our relationship with Him, and the way we should pray. In understanding this prayer through the lens of the Court of Heaven and seeing Jesus as our Advocate, we gain deeper insight into how this prayer reflects both the legal and relational aspects of our standing before God. The Court of Heaven Concept: The Court of Heaven is a biblical metaphor for the spiritual realm where God, as the righteous Judge, presides. Jesus, as our Advocate (or Intercessor), represents us before the Father. This concept comes from passages such as 1 John 2:1, which speaks of Jesus as our Advocate with the Father, and Romans 8:34, where He intercedes for us. The idea is that in this "court," legal matters (sin, forgiveness, righteousness) are addressed, and Jesus defends us against the accusations of the enemy (Satan). The Lord's Prayer and the Court of Heaven: The Lord's Prayer, with its rich theology, can be seen as laying out the petition of a believer standing before the Court of Heaven, seeking God's will to be done and asking for the help of our Advocate, Jesus Christ. Let's break down the Lord's Prayer with this framework: 1. "Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name." Position of Authority and Honor: We acknowledge God’s sovereignty and holiness. In the Court of Heaven, the Judge is holy and supreme. We begin with recognizing His position and honor before we make any requests, which is akin to addressing the court with reverence for the judge. Jesus, Our Advocate: Jesus, as our Advocate, presents our case before the Father. Acknowledging God as our Father and His holy name aligns us with His will and prepares us to make our requests in accordance with His righteousness. 2. "Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven." Legal Petition for God's Will: In the Court of Heaven, God's will is paramount. This line asks for God's kingdom to manifest on earth, asking for justice, righteousness, and the fulfillment of God's purposes. It is a request that aligns with God’s decrees. Jesus, Our Advocate: Jesus intercedes to bring God’s will to fruition. He advocates for the implementation of the divine will on earth, both in spiritual and earthly matters. 3. "Give us this day our daily bread." Request for Provision: This part asks God to provide for our needs. In a legal context, it is like requesting sustenance or support in the trial of life. The advocate, Jesus, intercedes on our behalf for provision, recognizing our dependence on God for our daily needs. Jesus, Our Advocate: As our Advocate, Jesus understands our physical and spiritual needs, advocating for us to receive what is necessary for our lives and growth. 4. "And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." Seeking Forgiveness and Justice: This petition addresses the need for forgiveness, both for our own sins and in forgiving others. In the Court of Heaven, forgiveness is a central theme. Through Jesus, we can receive forgiveness for our sins, and He advocates for us to be cleansed from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Jesus, Our Advocate: Jesus is our High Priest who presents His sacrifice as the basis for our forgiveness. His advocacy ensures that the penalties of sin are paid through His atonement, enabling us to receive mercy from God. 5. "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil." Protection from Accusation and Sin: In the Court of Heaven, the enemy (Satan) often acts as the accuser, bringing charges against believers. This line is a plea for protection from the forces of darkness, asking God for deliverance from temptations and the influence of evil. Jesus, Our Advocate: Jesus, as our Advocate, helps protect us from the schemes of the enemy. His intercession ensures that we are not subject to trials beyond our ability to endure and that God provides a way of escape from temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13). Jesus as Our Advocate in the Court of Heaven: In 1 John 2:1, it says, "If anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous." Jesus stands in the heavenly court as the one who pleads our case before the Father, using His sacrifice as the basis for our justification. Jesus’ advocacy ensures that, despite our sins, we are declared righteous through His atoning work on the cross. His intercession before the Father is the means by which we can approach God with confidence, knowing that He defends us against accusations. Summary: The Lord’s Prayer can be understood as a prayer that aligns us with God's will, acknowledges His holiness, and petitions for forgiveness, provision, and protection—all within the framework of the Court of Heaven. Jesus, as our Advocate, presents our case before the Father, ensuring that we are covered by His sacrifice, guided by His will, and protected from evil. Through His intercession, we have access to the Judge's favor and mercy