Read Matthew 6:9-13.
Though we walk in the hope of heaven as a future reality, heaven is within us here and now. Jesus Himself said, "The coming of the kingdom is not something that can be observed, . . . because the kingdom of God is in your midst" (Luke 17:20-21). In order to comprehend how the Kingdom of heaven can be our future home and yet also be within us, we need the Holy Spirit to give us an eternal vision. If we're not spending time learning from and listening to our heavenly Father through His Word and His Spirit, our spiritual eyes will not see clearly (see Ephesians 1:18-19). Furthermore, we won't be able to live a life of obedience because we won't see clearly who Christ is and what He's done for us.
The power that God gives us for life is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead and seated Him in the heavenly realms.
You see, Paul says because of Christ's work, God "has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing" (Ephesians 1:3). When God changed my identity, He changed the way I live. He seated me in the heavenly realms with Christ (see Ephesians 2:6), and I began to experience a radical change in my speech and conduct—in the way I responded to temptation. Why? Because God has given His children now all the power, strength, and faith we need. The power that God gives us for life is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead and seated Him in the heavenly realms (see Ephesians 1:20-21). Amen belongs here!
Remember: Jesus said, "[D]o not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them" (Matthew 6:31-32). God cares deeply about your real needs; He not only knows them, He also promises to provide for every one of them. But when does He do this? When His Kingdom is paramount in your life, when you are trusting His will for you (see v. 33). Friend, this is not the prosperity gospel; this is the character of God that some people have perverted.
Do you want to experience heaven right now—even before this life is over? Start praying and meaning it: "Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven." When we pray for God to bring His heavenly rule to earth, we find that He provides for all our needs—and our greatest need is for more of Him! So, spend time in His Word, deepening your trust of our good God.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for seating me with Christ in the heavenly realms and blessing me with every spiritual blessing. I know You know my needs and will meet them according to Your riches as I seek first Your Kingdom. I trust You, Father. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
"[Y]our kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10).
Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef's sermon series Heaven Awaits: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW
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