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Where is the Heavenly Realm?
Where do the heavenly beings dwell? The apostle Paul waited 14 years to tell of a glorious visit
to the “third
heaven. He wasn’t sure he was supposed to talk about this because of the possibility of making him appear
to be something that he was not. I guess if anyone had a cause to boast it would have been Paul. He reveals the genuine humility
that comes with real association with God. He cautiously tells of the experience.
We are not capable of knowing
all, nor is it needful for us to know heavenly realm details. Rather, we should give thanks that we have a place because of
Jesus. Where Paul went, he was not even sure. He didn’t even know if it was an in or out of body experience. What he
did know is that he could not explain it adequately. He heard words that he felt compelled not to speak. This third heaven
is called paradise.
2 Corinthians
12
2
I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot
tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God
knoweth;) 4 How that he was caught up
into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
He does not tell us what he
saw in the third heaven or paradise, but tells us that he heard unspeakable words.
We have no familiarity with the language of the upper world: so while we are
here in this world, we have a more
sure word of prophecy than such visions and revelations.
2 Peter 1:19.
Paul knew the tongue of men and angels, probably more so than that of any man upon earth
did. This account that he gives us of his vision should check our curiosity to seek after forbidden knowledge, and chasing
of “gifts. It should teach us to improve the revelation that God has already
given us in his Word.
That, being said, it is obvious that there are “realms” in the spirit world.
We are earth bound, angels and demons can travel and live in these heavenly realms . . . we cannot.
It was the understanding of ancient Israel that there are three heavens. Obviously, they wrote in terms with which they were familiar. The Jews spoke of three heavens. The first
heaven consisted of the earth atmosphere where the clouds and birds were. The second heaven was where the sun, stars, and moon were. The third heaven was the dwelling
place of God. When Paul said, he was caught up to the third heaven
he was referring to the very dwelling place of God.
Since no one knows and there
is no certainty, I don’t see any need to speculate.
I don’t know. There are those who claim to know all of this, some can tell you about seven heavens. Suffice it to say
that it is a realm where we enter by prayer, . . . not by opposing demonic powers.
I want to share something from
the book of Job. This is a book that poses many questions for believers. Now, I’m not going to really talk about Job,
but rather the level of spiritual power that came against him. It is the methods and madness of the demons. Think about their
abode and how quickly and powerfully they could strike. What a foolish thing we do when we venture into that realm trying
to pick a fight. It appears in this passage that the angels of God had come before God to give an account for their ministry
to man upon the earth . . . and Satan came with them.
He had been banished from God’s Presence
Maybe he came with God’s
permission based upon a request. He is the accuser of the brethren. Regardless, he is there and God asked him for a “report.
Satan said “I have been going to and fro in the earth, and from walking up and down in it.” Up and down? Does that include some heavenly realm checking as well? He had been looking
for whom he may devour. Surely he had investigated Job. God asked him. Satan called Job a mercenary. He only serves you because
you bless him and his family. (Paraphrased). Satan tried to tempt God to do harm to Job, “put forth thy hand, and touch all that he hath and he will curse
you to thy face.” God granted Satan permission to do that.
Read the incredible account
in Job 1.
12
And the LORD said unto Satan, Behold, all that he hath is in thy power…”
Note the swiftness and severity
of the attacks once Satan and his host of demons began their work. They used people on the earth (the Sabiens). They stole
the oxen and the donkeys and killed the servants. No sooner had the messenger informed Job when word came that fire from heaven
(lightening?) Had consumed all of the sheep and servants. Demonic power in the heavenly realm was being unleashed.
The scripture says, while he
was yet speaking, another message came that the Chaldeans had taken all of the camels and killed the servants. Again, demons
using people to carry out their mission of hate and hurt. The worst news of all was what Job had already suspected could happen.
Job 1:5 “… It may be that my sons have sinned, and cursed God in their hearts...”
Job’s children were protected
because of Job’s life and prayers. It appears that what he imagined could be the case, likely was. His children were
perhaps giving some legal permissions. Now the news comes, “Thy sons and thy daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother's house:
And,
behold, there came a great wind from the wilderness, and smote the four corners of the house, and it fell upon the young men,
and they are dead; and I only am escaped alone to tell thee.” Now, the demons had caused a storm directed to destroy
his children. The house was flattened by the strong “tornadic” type of wind.
I am sharing this to give you
a picture of what it is we are taking on when we venture outside of our authority and covering. The demons not only had power
to use people against him and the weather but now we see they had the power to torment with sickness.
It is interesting to note that
even though Satan had been granted permission to take all that Job had that he did not take his wife. I can’t give you
the reason for this, but it appeared that it was part of the plan to use his wife against him. Most of us know the story of
Job and it’s victories in the end. I want you to just peek into the heavenly realm there with me and see how foolish
it is to go there.
God had a complete hedge around Job
and his family because of Job’s life. It was impossible to penetrate, Satan had tried and could not find an opening.
There is one around me too. Why would I want to venture outside of it or shake my fist at demons? It is always best to pray FOR, not against!
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