“Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven” The offering of this petition implies that the petitioner is really and truly willing to make sacrifices of any personal ease and comfort for the promotion of God’s glory, so far as he understands that he ought. Who doubts that in heaven they are willing to be sent to any part of the universe, or to give up a personal case or anything else for the promotion of the great end for which God is aiming? We are informed in the Bible that “angels are ministering spirits sent forth to minister to them who are heirs of salvation.” Any moment they may be called to self-denial and arduous labor. Doubtless, they are often called, but do they hesitate, do they consider it a hardship? No; because they sympathize with God and with Christ in this great work. They do not hesitate to make any personal sacrifices that are demanded of them. They are perfectly cheerful and happy with it. Now, a person who would say, “Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven,” must be willing to make any sacrifice that he knows is to be in accordance with the will of God. If it is plainly a matter of duty for him to do this or that, to go here or there, he must be perfectly willing to comply, or how can he offer this petition? Updated Dec 16, 2009, 11:14 AM
