During our Bible study the question came up about a book that is making the rounds called, "Heaven is for Real!" It's the story of a child, Colton, who has a near-death experience and spends time in heaven. Of course there are lots of books about heaven, and what it's like. In fact there was a huge interest in heaven within Postexilic Jewish literature. Books such as 1 Enoch, 2 Enoch, Testament of Abraham and 3 Baruch describe heavenly journeys. Isaiah, Jeremiah and Revelation are three books in the Bible that describe heavenly encounters. "90 Minutes in Heaven" is another recent account of a heavenly journey.
Since I had read "Heaven is for Real!" I was asked what I thought about the book. While I cannot, or will not critique the account of little Colton, I will comment on what are some common misconceptions about heaven based on what Scripture really says about it.
I think most of us think of heaven as a place we hopefully go to after we die. But the scriptural understanding of heaven is more like being in the eternal presence of God. Yes, we hear that we will go to a place called heaven (or hell, which is another discussion altogether), but we are also told that the Kingdom of Heaven is here, and "in our hearts." We read in Revelation that there will ultimately be a "new heaven and new earth" suggesting that even heaven falls under the judgement and redemption of God.
The Gospel of Matthew is a panoramic story of the conflict between two "kingdoms" (note that "kingdom" is a verbal noun that refers more specifically to power and not territory--the term "kingdom of God" could be better understood as "reign" or "rule" of God), the Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Satan (or kingdoms of the world). That is to say heaven is not a place, but a state of being. Discipleship, following the way of Jesus Christ, is the work we do in partnership with God in reclaiming God's rule over the rule of anyone or anything else. In our Lord's Prayer we pray "thy Kingdom come on earth as in heaven."
I believe we don't have to wait to go to heaven, or that our primary work is to make sure we get into heaven, but, rather, to participate in the kingdom-building good news Jesus proclaimed and lived out.
Which brings me back to Colton's experience.
I don't know who's to say what we will experience when we die, or have a heavenly encounter often referred to as a near-death experience. I DO know that Jesus told the bandit on the other cross that he would join Jesus that day in Paradise, and not heaven. Maybe these heavenly descriptions are paradise descriptions. I say that because scripture tells us that there will be a marriage of heaven and earth, a NEW heaven and NEW earth on the last day when all the dead shall be raised. In the meantime perhaps it is paradise to which we go when we die, and paradise that Colton experienced. And just maybe paradise is a place that reflects our own understanding of it as well as our own goodness, which is ultimately a reflection of God's glory.
All I really know is sometimes a delicious bowl of asparagus soup with family and friends feels like paradise. And maybe heaven as well.
Here's how I made it. (How I make most soups)
1 small onion chopped
1 lb asparagus (or other veg) chopped
heat 2tbsp of Olive oil in a dutch oven and cook the onions until soft, then add the asparagus and cook until aromatic.
I usually add some marjoram, cooking until fragrant and then add broth, about 6 cups.
Add a bay leaf and bring to a simmer and simmer for an hour.
Remove the bay leaf and either use an immersion blender or, in batches, use a blender to "cream" the soup.
You can add a little cream or half and half if you like. I usually don't to keep the calories and fat to a minimum.
I serve with some homemade croutons and shaved Parmesan.
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