On Earth as it is in Heaven

Once again I find myself a little in over my head. This is a completion of the thought that we are asking for God's will to be done, and not our own. I guess I won't presume to expound on this phrase, but rather tell you what I'm thinking when I pray this. For me it's important to remember that God is reigning over the earth as well as over the heavenlies. I know there can be some division on this, but too bad, it's my blog. I meditate on what God's long term will is for this earth, and ask Him to help me yield to that will, and give up my own.

We were watching a Francis Shaeffer video series last night on suffering, and there was a great part where he and his wife Edith were discussing living and praying in the "heavenlies." We tend to think about what is going on around us in carnal or temporal terms, missing the "big picture." Francis talked about how we read the book of Job and understand that Job's suffering was a part of something bigger, but we forget that Job didn't know that. Job didn't have the first few chapters to give him an idea of what was really happening, he just knew he lost everything he had.

I'm not sure exactly how that ties in, but I know it does. There is a real connection between heaven and earth. God doesn't need us to ask Him to do His will on this earth, but when we do, we are forced to recognize and admit that it is really His will that is important (once again - not ours). There is a great connection with this passage and that of Our Lord Jesus in the garden praying before His betrayal (Mt 26:39,42,44).

I think in reality, I don't really grasp this yet, or at least faithfully believe it. The example I gave the other day about God being a genie really shows that. In my prayer times I am really praying for my will to be done on earth, with God's help. Think about it, do you really want God's will to be done on earth? What if it means your children are killed, or you get cancer, or something happens to your wife, or you lose your job, etc, etc? Are you ready for that? Am I? Was Job? Lord, give me faith to believe what is so painfully clear.

I tend to think, "Yeah God, your will be done on this earth, let's see some retribution on the evildoers, bring in a godly government," you know that kind of thing. I apply principles to everything but myself (this is nothing new to christians, I know). I guess I should spend more time meditating on whether or not my prayers are really seeking that the Lord's will be done and I am being a faithful servant, or if I am still seeking after my own desires and am treating the Lord with contempt. 

¶ 2/18/2005 11:41:00 AM