Have you ever been so burdened with life’s problems or the sufferings of others, that you just wanted to quit? I have. Life can be a real struggle. It is at times like these that God sometimes brings someone into your life or gives you an experience that refreshes you. People sometimes call it a ‘God Moment.’ Maybe it isn’t a literal peek of heaven, but it sure gives you some hope to keep on following Jesus.
Three disciples had a mountaintop experience with Jesus. They really needed it! Jesus had jolted them with the reality of the coming cross and the necessity of suffering in order to follow Him. He stressed the need to deny self and take up the cross in order to be one of His followers. Jesus wanted them to realize that this decision was worth any sacrifice they made. So, He gave them a peek of heaven on earth.
After six days Jesus took Peter, James and John with him and led them up a high mountain, where they were all alone. There he was transfigured before them. His clothes became dazzling white, whiter than anyone in the world could bleach them. And there appeared before them Elijah and Moses, who were talking with Jesus. Peter said to Jesus, ‘Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters – one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.’ (He did not know what to say, they were so frightened.) Then a cloud appeared and covered them, and a voice came from the cloud: ‘This is my Son, whom I love. Listen to him!’ Suddenly, when they looked around, they no longer saw anyone with them except Jesus. (Mark 9:2-8)
In this experience of these disciples, I discovered three things about their peek of Heaven that will encourage you. Whatever struggles you are experiecing in your journey of life, if you are following Jesus, Heaven is not far away for you. Hang in there!
1. Heaven is better than you can imagine. When Jesus was changed (transformed) before them, He appeared whiter than any white they had ever seen. It was the brightness Jesus will have in Heaven. Heaven operates at an energy level unknown to us. Our best day is far removed from every day in Heaven.
2. Jesus is the center of Heaven. Though the disciples recognized Jesus as Christ, the Son of God, I doubt they really knew who really was. But when they saw Him in all His glory, it became evident that it’s all about Him. The humble, suffering servant was the source of Heaven’s all-surpassing glory and light. We Christians have worshiped, talked & sang about, and prayed to Jesus. But one day in Heaven we will see Him in all His glory.
3. People are invited to share Heaven. Jesus let these disciples know a little of what was prepared for them in Heaven. Earlier He simple invited them … ‘Follow me.’ They saw some amazing miracles and heard some tremendous teaching, but now they experienced a taste of Heaven. Just like these disciples, Jesus invites us to share Heaven by choosing to follow Him. Life is often difficult, but the road of a disciple leads to Heaven. I hope you will find joy in the journey and encourage others on the road with you.
You can read some of my other articles about Heaven: Heaven, Do children go to heaven when they die?, What is Heaven like?