There is no more stringent standard for measuring human obedience on earth than the one Jesus gives in Matthew 6:10: “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”
Carefully consider the rigor of this standard:
- In heaven, God’s will is obeyed exactly and entirely. There is nothing added to it or subtracted from it. Like the angels in heaven, David—described in Scripture as a man after God’s own heart—sought to do all of God’s will (Acts 13:22). Like the angels in heaven, Jesus’ disciples are expected to observe/obey all things He commands (Matthew 28:20).
- In heaven, God’s will is obeyed promptly. When Jehovah sent Gabriel in response to Daniel’s prayer (Daniel 9:4-19), the angel arrived before Daniel’s prayer was completed (Daniel 9:20-21). The angels in heaven make haste and do not delay their obedience.
- In heaven, God’s will is obeyed continuously. Jehovah is served day and night in His heavenly temple (Revelation 7:15). There are no days off; there are no vacations. The righteousness of obedience is constant and unending.
- In heaven, God’s will is obeyed purposefully. The singular focus of the angelic host is God’s glory. Because He is worthy to receive glory, honor, and power (Revelation 4:11), God’s will is obeyed with this most explicit purpose in mind.
- In heaven, God’s will is obeyed with personal excellence. Doing one’s best is heaven’s expectations for both angels and humans. It has been observed that when Mary anointed Jesus’ feet in John 12 the angels may have been able to do more but they could not do better because Mary did the best she could.
When an inventory is made of you and your obedience, how well does it compare to the heavenly gold standard of “on earth as it is in heaven”?
Is it exact and entire?
Is it prompt?
Is it continuous?
Is it single-mindedly focused on glorifying God?
Is it the best you can do?
