Dallas Willard was a notably significant spiritual leader for the church, who was also a mentor to many significant spiritual leaders… Many have commented on how he lived life with such integrity, such spiritual connection with God, that he was a profound blessing to be around.
He once said that “I think that, when I die, it may take me some time before I know it.” He had developed his relationship with Jesus so deeply, he was living on earth as it is in heaven so profoundly, that he felt, in many ways, like on earth was as it is in heaven…
This is not inconsistent with the way Jesus talked about heaven and earth. Salvation is intended for life here and now as well as later. With Jesus Christ, Eternal life for us can start now! Today. Jesus taught us to pray, your kingdom come, your will be done “on earth as it is in heaven…”
For me this begs the question for us, where in our lives is it unlike heaven on earth for us? Are there places around us, or in our lives that we need to let heaven into?!
Where there is bitterness and negativity, may it be in me as it is in heaven… Where there is impatience or anger, where there is selfishness, let the salvation and eternal life that Jesus gives come in to those darkest of places… If we struggle deeply to be in community with other believers, this is not God’s intention, let it be on earth as it is in heaven… where in our community there is sin and darkness, let it be on earth as it is in heaven.
Heaven will be an eternity of God’s intentions for us, and yet, it is an amazing gift that God allows us to have a glimpse of this here and now in this world, and in this life we’re living. Let us pray and live each day, “Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.”