Its probably not a good thing to admit…but for much of my ministry life I haven’t seen a lot of similarities between the church on any given day and heaven. Not that I’m looking for pearly gates or golden streets. But looking for a singular longing for God, for hearts united in worship, for people who passionately desire to be more like Jesus. Some days it seemed an enormous chasm between the church and heaven.

But then there was yesterday.

Maybe it was just me. As I drove in I found myself thanking God for the amazing opportunity I had that day to camp out in a passage of scripture containing the words of Jesus. And then there was also the incredible privilege to share that passage with a group of people I loved. I found myself worshiping even as I drove. And enjoying this sense of being in the right place at the right time and partnering with God. Does it get any better than that?

As I arrived the band was warming up. One of my favorite vocalists was leading. The sound was perfect. The lights…spot on. It was going to be a good morning.

At the appointed time I stepped out to do a mini-teaching on giving, just before the offering. Its one of my favorite things because I know that when we live generously, there are blessings all around. So I enjoy talking about it, not because folks will give more, but because generosity causes disproportionate good in the life of that person who is growing in generosity.

I went backstage as the band played the last worship song. At some point I heard it…the band stopped playing and I heard the congregation singing in a way I’ve never heard…it was as if the building was filled with voices of angels.

I wept.  A part of me thought, ‘how can I recover and go out to teach in a few moments?’. The greater part of me just didn’t care. We were literally in the presence of the Holy One. And nothing else mattered.

Then it was time to go teach. I pulled myself together and went out to teach out of Matthew 3. I heard a voice in my heart say ‘Now…slow down…and listen to Me’. The teaching flowed, the illustrations made sense. And at the end when I invited folks to indicate their willingness to pursue Jesus with passion, the whole room stood. As I prayed a final prayer I was once again on the verge of tears.

Yesterday I was blessed to glimpse heaven in the church. A place of beauty and purity and hearts open to the work of God.  I was changed in that glimpse. How I will pray for us will be different. What I watch for will be different. How I serve, how I lead…will be different. Thank you Father for your Kingdom on Earth. Just a piece…just for a moment. May Your Kingdom come…completely, everywhere, always.