God has been speaking to my leader and I about this concept of heaven on earth. What does it mean? What does it actually look
like and how is it lived out?
The phrase conjures some interesting images before us about streets of Gold, rapturous joy and sweetness of life. Will it in
reality look like this? Will heaven itself look like this?
I cannot answer that, nor would I attempt to, but at least for heaven on earth, I think that the reality of it might look a little
different than what we can picture in our minds eye. In fact, when we are praying for heaven on earth, God could be saying to us, why are you praying for this. This is not to be, my intention is heaven on earth, but not as you expect.
So our prayers may in fact fall short and be ineffective due to our misunderstanding of what this is.
Before we get into that, some of you may be asking why do we need heaven on earth? Is it important to pray for this? I have never thought of it before. Or maybe saying things like, heaven is for when we are no longer here, earth is hard and painful, it is not heaven, let us endure while we are here, and heaven is our reward.
I don't disagree with that last statement, but neither would I agree... You see, when Jesus was teaching His followers how to pray he instructed them in this way;
“This, then, is how you should pray:
“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
Forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.’"
Matthew 6:9-13
He told us to pray that His kingdom is to come, and that His will is to be done on earth as it is in heaven. I would suggest to dwell on these words for a little while and see just what God wants to reveal to you, as the implications and connotations are immense of these words.
What does heaven on earth look like? I imagine its not perfection of life. Its not mansions, no work, relaxation by a pool.
It might look a little like it did during the ministry of Jesus, and during the time of the Acts Church.
The sick being healed, sinners finding God, finding freedom and hope again. The hurting being comforted. Those with little being cared for and provided for by those around them. Community of love.
Seeing God's will being done on earth is heavenly. Heaven is real, our reward is not on this earth, but God has prepared it for us. Nevertheless, heaven is coming to earth, it is God's will. Where will it come?
Where believers gather together to pray, to fellowship, to love, to care. To step beyond the comforts of life and embrace those around them is where the kingdom of God is being established.
Let's bring heaven to earth, let us allow Him the room to move in our lives and determine our steps. let us run this race, and see His will made known, and made manifest in our lives.
Peace and joy!
Daniel