Heaven on Earth is appealing and possible. In Matthew 16:19 Jesus tells his disciples, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
“Pinch me”, my husband declared as he and I lay in bed one glorious summer night. We were basking in the joy and relishing the moment. Not all days exude excitement and peace that surpasses all understanding, but there are moments. Although not often recognized and celebrated, there are moments when life does feel like heaven on earth. What keeps us from experiencing this divine euphoric utopia more frequently. Can you count your moments of heaven on earth on one hand? Alan Streett, author of Heaven on earth: Experiencing the Kingdom of God says ‘according to some gospel messages one must wait to experience the blessings of the kingdom, but according to other messages of the gospel the benefits of the kingdom are available for you to enjoy this moment while you are alive and well on the planet earth.
Heaven on Earth is appealing and possible. In Matthew 16:19 Jesus tells his disciples, “I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
What would it look like for the people of God to release the kingdom of heaven wherever they are? What would it look like for marriages to release the kingdom of heaven in their home?
Our goal in marriage and in establishing our homes ought to include a bit of heaven on earth. This is not only for our own benefit but also for those who do not know the Lord. The way we live in our homes can be a powerful witness. We have an opportunity to model this principle scripture which is basic in the foundations of marriage. The bible tells us heaven is a prepared home, a place of peace, pleasure, safety. Heaven is a place where you are fed and nourished and welcomed. A place of joy and singing, where tears are wiped away. WOW!
I often took a long way home, coming from school as a little girl growing up in South Philadelphia. I simply dreaded entering our household. I never knew what to expect. Seldom was it joyful, peaceful, and pleasurable? The level of discontent, despair, and the hardness of life clouded the atmosphere and everyone in it. I believe my parents tried to present some sense of happiness in the home; yet the ongoing battle to claim the victory over the enemy was elusive, hopeless, and relentless.
What does your home look like? When your husband, wife, or child walks through the door, are they embraced? Does your face light up? Are you happy they reached home safely? Or do you scrutinize, criticize, and ignore your family member. If it has been a hard day for them, are you there to listen, are you ready to wipe away tears. Or is the house empty, no food, no love, only harsh words, and angry gestures. How many of us know we cannot achieve ‘heaven on earth’ alone, in and of ourselves, we need God. We cannot do it in our own strength, we need God. God wants to use you to bring heaven to earth.
We challenge you this year to make your home like heaven on earth by implementing God’s principles in your home. Begin with declaring your need for God’s presence, provision, love, and redemption. Pray, ask God to help you in your marriage, your family, your career your life. Trust God and believe God. Know that those who seek Him will find Him. God wants to help you accomplish His will ‘on earth as it is in heaven. It is possible my friend.