Kyle A. King

Between earth and heaven there is but a thin partition. Heaven is much nearer than we think. I question if “the land that is very far off” is a good name for heaven.  Was it not an extended kingdom on earth that was intended by the prophet rather than the celestial home? Heaven is by no means the far country, for it is the Father’s house. Are we not taught to say, ” Our Father which art in heaven?” Where the Father is, the true spirit of adoption counts itself near. Our Lord would have us mingle heaven with earth by naming it twice in this short prayer. See how He makes us familiar with heaven by mentioning it next to our usual food, making the next petition to be “give us this day our daily bread.” This does not look as if it should be thought of as a remote region. Heaven is, at any rate, so near that in a moment we can speak with Him who is King of the place and He will answer our call. Yes, before the clock ticks again, you and I may be there. Can that be a far-off that we can reach so soon? We are within hearing of the shining ones; we are nearly home. A little while and we shalle see our Lord. Perhaps another day’s march will bring us within the city gate. And what if another fifty years of life on earth should remain, what is it but the twinkling of an eye?