by Wade E Taylor
Heaven, most certainly, is a place. In a larger sense, Heaven is more than a place; it is an “atmosphere.” We may be asked, “Where is heaven?” A specific location cannot be given, but we can say with confidence, “Heaven is where the Lord is.”
Or, we may be asked, “Where is the Lord?” Again, we can say with confidence, “He is here, present in our midst.”
“For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20
When the Lord brought forth His highest creation, Adam and Eve, He placed them in a special “environment” which He called, “The Garden of Eden.” We have an idealistic image of the beauty that was within this garden, yet it was more than just a beautiful place. It was a God created “atmosphere” that was intended to bring forth the very best from the potential for communion and fellowship that the Lord had created within Adam and Eve.
“And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden, in the cool of the day….” Genesis 3:8
Not only was Adam placed within a prepared place, but the Lord chose the very best time within that environment to commune with him. From this we understand that both the time and the atmosphere in which we meet with the Lord is very important.
A newspaper recently reported that schools which allow their students to dress carelessly, produce graduates who tend to be slipshod in their ways. It has been discovered that a strict dress code helps to produce quality graduates. Being well dressed causes a person to feel that they are truly a person of value. If our home is a mess, then we will feel incapable and confused. If it is neat and clean, we will feel organized and creative.
The “atmosphere” within our environment affects the quality of our life experience.
Also, the atmosphere in which we meet the Lord is very important. Our worship is intended to lift us out of an earthly atmosphere that is marred by our struggles in life, into a heavenly atmosphere.
“But You are holy, O You that inhabits the praises of Israel.” Psalm 22:3
As we come into unity through an atmosphere of worship, the Lord comes into our midst.
“For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there am I in the midst of them.” Matthew 18:20
There is harmony in the music of heaven that transcends our understanding. In a gathering that I attended during the mid 1950’s, a heavy anointing came upon the service and our singing blended as one voice. Spontaneously, every one became quiet. Many heard the “Choirs of heaven” singing. Then in perfect harmony, everyone began to sing with them. Heaven had come into our gathering.
The Lord was concerned about “environment” when he brought forth Adam and placed him within the Garden of Eden. We also are to prepare an environment for the habitation of the Lord that He may come and dwell with us. How do we prepare this environment? The secret is harmony in our worship, which is not possible with most present day church music.
As we worship, there will develop a “flowing” with the Spirit that lifts us into the Lord’s presence. Here, we enter into the realm of His rest, the atmosphere of Heaven. This “atmosphere of heaven” is tremendously important, as the Lord is present to both work and move within it. He will be “at home” because we have consciously created an environment, as was the “cool of the day” in the Garden of Eden.
We are to cultivate an “open heaven” in our gatherings. The Scripture tells us to:
“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” Ephesians 6:11-12
The atmosphere above us is “clouded” with these fallen principalities. This effectively hinders the “Son” from shining upon our gatherings. However as we worship, this darkened atmosphere is broken up and pushed back, and Jesus begins to shine upon us. Heaven will come into our gatherings and we will feel the warmth and the glow of the Lord’s presence.
Now the Lord will be able to accomplish many things in our midst.
It takes a deliberate action on our part to enter this environment of worship so the atmosphere may become as an “open heaven.” To rush through a song service to get to the “Word” is folly. Most certainly, the Word of God is important, but there must be the right atmosphere present in order for the Word to be effective.
An interesting lesson can be learned from the building of the tower of Babel.
“And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men built. And the Lord said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.” Genesis 11:5-6
They were of “one mind.” Therefore, they could accomplish all they sought to do. Our worship is the one area where we can quickly and easily come into an atmosphere of unity. Notice that it is not the quality of our singing that is important. Rather, it is the unity. This brings the presence of the Lord, and results in the “atmosphere of heaven” being present as the Lord abides in our midst.
As the “natural atmosphere” in the world deteriorates, within our Churches, the “spiritual atmosphere” should increase in quality. As it gets darker without, it should become lighter within. We must actively seek to create an atmosphere in which the Lord will be pleased to come, and in which He can accomplish all that He desires to do.
We can have a foretaste of Heaven, as we cultivate an atmosphere of His presence in our gatherings.