“In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth.” Ge. 1:1
Most people I have met think Heaven is up. The word most commonly translated as Heaven is the word “Shamayim.” It comes from the root shama which means “high” or “lofty.” So I guess the idea of of Heaven’s up-ness makes sense.
As we start in, though, I do want to note that “shamayim” is used by God to describe several different kinds of heaven: It is used to speak of His creation of the skies where the birds fly (Ge. 1:20); And to define the void of space where the stars and planets move (Ge. 1:14); But the use of the word we are most interested in here is shamayi h’shamayim or the Heaven of heavens. This is the place where God dwells (Deut. 10:14).
“Look, the highest heavens (shamayi h’shamayim)and the earth and everything in it all belong to the LORD your God.” Deut. 10:14 NLT
The first thing I notice about Heaven in this verse is not its location. My eye is drawn to the fact that it belongs to God. He is its King and in that place He calls the shots. You won’t find a voting booth there.
To those of us living in democratic societies the idea of one king in perpetuity seems rather despotic. Truth be told, when humans have tried that here on fallen Earth, the “one guy total rule thing” has not worked well at all. Neither has any other form of government for that matter. Good kings…effective kings are historically in short supply. For every King David there are twenty King Sauls.
But in Heaven God is King. In that place His government is effective and just! Imagine a government that runs perfectly! Now that’s “up-ness” by any definition.
What do you think living under the government of Heaven will be like?
Reinventing the We'll 
I can’t help but think there are so many of us who will have a hard time with what He says goes, and that there will be no vote but for me I’m a person who likes direction so I’m glad God will be in control of everything. Actually, when I really get thinking about this I’m not sure it is even going to be a problem that God rules over everything because our problem with “Heaven government” exists here on earth in this present time and frame of mind. Let’s face it most people want to do it their way and only their way with little guidance from above but once we get to Heaven nothing else is going to matter but serving God and God alone. He gives us everything we need now here on earth in this present time and how much more will He give us in Heaven. Imagine if we let God have complet and total rule over our lives now “Heaven government” wouldn’t be any different, would it? Lord, I pray that I continue to surrender everything to you so that I can always heed to your direction you have for my life. Lord, help me to be more dependent on you. I love the series, Pastor J, my heart feels such excitement at the thought of Jesus’ return is so close.
I think one of the most awesome things about getting to Heaven will be that in that place the work of redemption will be completed in me. Every bit of this rebellious nature in me will be wiped away and to serve Him will be my only delight! These thoughts you have laid out are excellent Deb!
I think it will be peace-filled and joyful! 🙂 God bless you and this series, Pastor J!
So true Debbie! What does peace look like to you?