Could it be that the Dallas Mavericks victory over the Miami Heat and the winning of the NBA title shows us something about the kingdom of heaven?
I think so. Consider these words, spoken by Jesus, “God’s kingdom is like a treasure hidden in a field for years and then accidently found by a trespasser. The finder is ecstatic – what a find! – and proceeds to sell everything he owns to raise money and buy that field.”
Well, the Mavericks have been a treasure hidden for years, after all. Theywere worth investing and believing in, even when it seemed it would never pay off.
Jesus kept telling his followers that the kingdom of heaven was just everywhere–they simply didn’t know how to recognize it. Heaven, in fullness, is the state of perfect knowledge of God. As Jesus says in John 17:3, “And this is eternal life, that they may know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent.”
Heaven, eternal life equals knowing God, and knowing God wholly. Now, we know only a little. As the Apostle Paul says, we see through a glass darkly. Much is murky, incomprehensible, distorted by our own lenses and preconceptions about God.
Perhaps we can take those steps into heaven right now, as we seek to know God. Not just know about God, but to know God in love and self-giving and the giving and receiving of reconciling grace.
So how do we train our eyes to see these heavenly places all around us?
First, start by celebrating everything possible. Start with the Dallas Mavericks NBA title. No doubt about it: the team is a class act and has set an example of how something pretty close to heavenly teamwork functions. Now, I admit those in Miami may not be able to see heavenly graces in this outcome, but we can, so let’s savor it!
Celebrate lots of others things as well. Did you get a good night’s sleep? Rejoice in it! Have a enough to eat? Be thankful! Spent a few moments with a great friend? Give the high five! Have a birthday or anniversary or go on a vacation? Jump for joy! Pay off a credit card? Pat yourself on the back! Finish a challenging task? Shout with triumph!
As you count and celebrate your blessings, you might start seeing glimpses of angelic presence in them.
Second, see what you can do to beautify the world. Recycle your plastics, paper, and glass more faithfully. Clean out a weedy flower bed or pick up some highway litter or offer to mow an overgrown lawn just as a favor. Drive a little less and walk or carpool a little more. Hang your clothes out to dry rather than using the energy-hog clothes dryer. Clean out a clutter drawer. Pass on to others outgrown clothes and lighten your closet load.
As you bring beauty, your eyes will gain sharper vision for heavenly views.
Third, find ways to serve others. Write a note to someone you haven’t seen in a while. Visit the sick or elderly in hospitals and nursing homes. Offer to babysit a child and give parents some time together. Send money to help liberate young girls in third-world countries from forced marriages or lives of sexual slavery. Spend time in solitary, concentrated prayer for the oppressed of the world. Adopt a homeless animal or help out at an animal shelter. Even better, adopt a homeless family or volunteer at a shelter or agency that works with those in dire need.
As you serve, your ears will become attuned to beautiful music beyond description.
Heaven may not be fully comprehended in our earthly state, but it can be experienced. It is indeed all around us.
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