Day 2: In Heaven
Heaven is often thought of as an exclusive club or as an event that only happens once one passes on. It is boxed into the thoughts of being a location, and only a location reserved for the after life. However, the simple fact that Jesus’ prayer begins with the communal and intimate mention of Abba who is then described as the Father in heaven, reveals the depth of this small phrase mentioned a few times in this prayer. Not only is our Messiah demonstrating that the Father is close and beckoning for us to call Him relationally, but that if the Father is heaven, then heaven is close and when we call the Father, His atmosphere—which is heaven—will be revealed.
As we look at Scripture’s entire narrative, we see a beautiful imagery of the new heavens and new earth as promised in Revelation 21. Specifically in Revelation 21:2, this image of the new Jerusalem/holy city comes out of heaven from God. All too often we believe that God’s location is in heaven, when in reality “heaven and the highest heaven’s cannot contain Him (1 Kings 8:27).” Heaven is not just designated as the location of God, but rather heaven is the location within God that is promised for all who believe and come into relationship with the Lord (Jn. 17:3).
In this manner, this phrase in the Lord’s prayer is a recognition of how deeply beautiful and interconnected the Father and His atmosphere of heaven are. This is to say, that when we pause in reverence of Abba’s name and His atmosphere, we are making ourselves aware of His name and presence already around us and in the midst of us. Rather than us waiting for something that already is, we can shift our mindset and prayers to align with the One who was, is, and will always be heaven, both now and forever. Amen.
Action: As you live and move and have your being in the Lord today, remember that He is near, and that His atmosphere—heaven—is all around. Be mindful and pray: Abba, align me with Your atmosphere.
