Heavenly Growth

Like most Christians, I have pondered the mysteries of Heaven and what it means to live there. Most of us have heard stories of people who have visited Heaven. While some may not be credible, it would be be unwise based on scripture to totally discount the testimonies of those who claimed to make a heavenly visit and return to tell of it. In nearly every one of these accounts, there are children in Heaven - doing what kids do. This is certainly one of the mysteries I'm talking about. If Heaven is outside of time, then what constitutes growth in Heaven?

I believe the Spirit has given me the answer to this one. It is the very same thing that facilitates spiritual growth here, and it has nothing to do with time. It has everything to do with investment from spiritual fathers and mothers.

Am I saying that there is a lack of spiritual nourishment in Heaven? No, naturally not. But at the same time, while time here on earth creates physical growth (whether we like it or not), God in His infinite kindness and wisdom might choose to preserve the honor for a child in His realm to be raised by the child's parents who may not yet be present. Conjecture... yes... but comforting at the same time. Nevertheless, it is easy to see why we have so many spiritual infants here on earth who biologically are in their late adult years. It isn't a matter of time or physical maturity - it's a matter of spiritual parenting and submission on our part, as children.

This is the Promised Land?

When Israel left Egypt, Pharaoh's armies chased them immediately. With their backs to the wall of water and no boats, Israel was faced with a fight. But God intervened on their behalf and fought for them. Pharaoh was utterly destroyed.

Exo 14:14 MKJV
(14) Jehovah shall fight for you, and you shall be silent.

Exo 13:17 MKJV
(17) And it happened, when Pharaoh had let the people go, God did not lead them by the way of the land of the Philistines although that was near. For God said, Lest the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt.

I've wondered why God did not take the people the way of the land of the Philistines and simply destroy the Philistines from before them. The answer is that a new partnership emerged from the sea. A co-laboring, if you will. When coming out of the sea (being 'born again' from it) what God expected from His people changed, slightly. They were now free, in the physical sense, and their stake in the journey increased.

Israel was in the desert for 40 years. It was a time when God sheltered them, but He expected them to stand firm and watch His salvation. It was a time of learning faith. Some did, many did not. But finally after an entire generation passed, it was time to step into the Promised Land! Surely the cakewalk begins here!

Or not...

The very first thing that Israel was faced with was Jericho. Granted, it wasn't as easy as dealing with Pharaoh because there was some walking and horn blowing involved. However, Jericho was just the first of many battles Israel had to endure - all inside their Promised Land! In fact, the warring didn't really start until Israel stepped into their promise. This is the progression - the nature of the partnership between the Father and His sons.

As we become more and more like Him, He will also expect us to step in and fight for others 'who would turn and run back to Egypt'.