A Taste of Heaven

by Annie Yorty

Jesus warned His disciples—and us—this world will be full of troubles. I’m sure you’ve experienced enough of life to know this truth firsthand. In the middle of chaos, we long for a taste of heaven.

A Taste of Heaven

I spent last weekend on the top of a mountain in Mesquite, Texas. If you know Texas topography, you may be wondering if I somehow lost my way. A 360-degree scan of the Dallas region shows a landscape devoid of heights.

Stick with me and keep reading. You won’t want to miss the heavenly view from my lofty mountain reunion.

I first met Peggy in Siberia over fifteen years ago. We, along with others from around the United States, traveled there together on a mission to share the gospel message with orphans, elders, and addicted people in rehabs. Every year for about six years, Peggy and I served the Lord together in a frozen tundra on the other side of the world.

A spunky widow with a southern drawl, Peggy handed a business card to everyone she met. The photo of a slight, silver-haired grandma decked out in motorcycle leathers sitting astride a Harley Davidson always produced a look of surprise and a laugh. Her summation of our work together still rings in my ears today. “This is the abundant life, y’all!”

The Bond of Love

One year, Peggy knew she was too old to travel to Siberia. From afar, through prayer and financial support, she continued to support our efforts to spread the hope of salvation through Jesus.

Peggy now lives in the waning time of her life. The word “lives” is important because Peggy has not shut down, even though God has given her an awareness of the brevity of her days. She continues to serve Him each morning she draws breath.

To honor our sister in Christ, some friends from the Siberia teams traveled to Texas. Others joined the reunion through Zoom. Most of us have not seen one another in five years because of restrictions on travel to Russia. For some, the absence spanned more than a decade.

Nevertheless, the physical separation melted away in the presence of this family united by the Holy Spirit of Jesus. The bond of our eternal love, one that time cannot break, remains strong. We reminisced about the goodness of God. About His faithfulness through trials. His comfort in sorrow. And the joy of serving Him with wholehearted devotion. We reminded Peggy that she made a difference not only for eternity but also in each of our lives individually.

Isn’t the spiritual scenery of heaven on earth even more breathtaking than the view from the highest mountaintop?

4 Practices to Experience a Taste of Heaven on Earth

Before He sacrificed Himself on a cross for the sins of the world, Jesus gave a command to His followers.

So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples. (John 13:34-35 NLT)

In our human strength, we cannot love in the same way Jesus loves us. But we have a power boost that enables us. God’s Holy Spirit guides us to the mountaintop of agape—unconditional—love for one another that gives a taste of heaven on earth.

Yielding to the Spirit, choose to engage in these four practices to taste heaven on earth.

1. Spend time doing life with people in God’s family.

We need to get up close and personal, into the inner circle beyond the façade we often present. Life gets messy in that zone. Cry, rejoice, and laugh together. You may argue or offend, but then forgive and restore. Love that supports and overcomes offers a taste of heaven to a hungry world.

2. Pray for one another.

We share our struggles with sin so the family of God can love and support us with prayer and accountability (James 5:16). As we pray, we join the spiritual battle waged in the heavenly realm.

3. Learn from one another as we imitate Jesus.

James wrote, “Dear brothers and sisters, pattern your lives after mine, and learn from those who follow our example” (Philippians 3:17 NLT). The godly choices we make help others to experience a taste of heaven.

4. Participate in the mission of Jesus.

Jesus came to redeem humankind through His death and resurrection so people may experience a satisfying, abundant life. He passed on that mission to His followers. “Go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone” (Mark 16:15 NLT).

God created us to unite with Christ to share the gospel message. He instituted His Church, a body of believers, to work together to accomplish this labor of love. I’ve discovered this shared mission bonds our hearts like nothing else.

The Unity of Love

These four practices delight our palette with a taste of heaven on earth. God’s Spirit grows unconditional love that unifies our hearts not only with God but also with one another. This unity is a hallmark of heaven that we can enjoy here on earth.

On my return home from the mountaintop reunion in Texas, I soared above the clouds—both literally and figuratively. I don’t know if I’ll see Peggy again on this side of heaven. I don’t know if God will open the doors to serve Him and the people I love in Siberia. But the sweet taste of heaven on earth lingers with me today.

Join the conversation:

How is God inviting you to taste heaven today?

I welcome your comments.

Copyright ©2024 Annie Yorty

From Ignorance to Bliss