On earth as it is in heaven

I have often said that I experienced God’s love in human form on this earth with Michael. He loved me like Christ loves the church. 

I remember a time when I witnessed God’s Grace being greater deposited in a situation in Michael’s life. I went home after that day and pondered how anyone could walk out forgiveness like I was seeing. I mean I have forgiven a lot but to continue moving forward in a relationship after much hurt and pain seemed impossible to my narrow mind at the time. 

I understand in more detail and clarity now. After years of watching this reconciliation I watched God weave a blessing and profound healing. I sat amazed watching it unfold.

When you see it and experience it, it changes you. 

Michael’s love was a Godly love in human form this side of heaven. Michael was known as Barnabas, a man of encouragement. One of our anniversaries, I had Barnabas placed on a white stone and gifted it to him. It was so much a part of who he was. 

I was reading in Acts recently and this scripture stopped me my tracks. 

“When the crowd saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in human form!” Barnabas they called Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes because he was the chief speaker.”

‭‭Acts‬ ‭14‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭NIV‬‬

I never realized that line “god in human form” before in scripture and then right after that it said Barnabas. I literally stopped reading and paused for a day going through that in my mind. I am still marinating on that. 

But what it does for me? It makes me yearn more and more for heaven. To be in “all as it should be” ALL the time. Then the Lord reminded me of this line in scripture.

On earth as it is in heaven. 

I have experienced it, I have seen it, I have felt God’s love in abundance. I will continue to sit at the feet of Jesus, lean back against Him and breathe. God with us. A week from today is Christmas Eve. The greatest gift was about to overcome us all. I am so very thankful I got to experience God’s love in human form on this earth. That love is available to us all. Right here right now. Wouldn’t it be great for us all to give love away that way? To love on earth as it is in heaven. May we experience it, may we pursue it, may we be it, may we give it away freely. 

The Lord's Prayer 

Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name;
thy kingdom come;
thy will be done;
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation;
but deliver us from the evil one.
For thine is the kingdom,
the power and the glory,
for ever and ever. Amen.

12/10/2024

~Melissa Shaw