Now and Not Yet
Kenny Chesney sang, “Everybody want (sic) to go to heaven, but nobody want to go now.” Kenny understood that there is something that draws us to heaven, but he thought it was only after we die, and we don’t want to do that just yet.
What if heaven were something we could actually begin to taste now? The Bible speaks of heaven both as a future reality — our future with God once we leave this earth — and as a reality we can begin to live in now. Theologians call this “the now and the not yet.”
On Sunday we will read two of Jesus’ parables about the Kingdom of Heaven. (Read the passage from Mark here.) Both assume that heaven is a present reality, not just something for after we die. Both parables are about seeds, how they grow without our doing anything, and how we enjoy their benefits now in ways far beyond meager-looking beginnings.
Do you see any glimpses of heaven in your life today? What do you think that might look like? How might you experience it a bit more? Is that really even possible in your circumstances?
Jesus taught assuming we can all experience the Kingdom of Heaven in this life, whatever our present circumstances. What might help you get there?
This column appeared in the June 19, 2024 edition of St. John’s eNews. Click here for the complete issue.
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