A Heaven That's Now

Re-hearing Jesus when he says "The Kingdom of Heaven"

Today’s passage gives us a chance to reflect on a key phrase that surfaces repeatedly throughout Matthew: the kingdom of heaven (sometimes shortened simply to kingdom or heaven).

For many of us, heaven brings to mind a distant, post-death reality—an eternal place of rest or glory. And yes, that hope exists. But in Matthew, the phrase kingdom of heaven points to something far more immediate: God's reign breaking in here and now.

This kingdom is not just a destination—it’s a way of being. A realm of justice and mercy. A vision of how the world ought to be, and how God is actively making it so. It is God's will, God's order, God's functioning presence in the world.

So when Jesus tells us to store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, he isn’t telling us to ignore the present for the sake of a future reward. He’s inviting us to invest our hearts, our time, and our resources in what truly lasts—right now.

Whenever you come across heaven, kingdom, or heavenly in Matthew, try to resist the instinct to punt it to the afterlife. Instead, imagine what Jesus might be saying about the shape of God's reality in your life today. That’s where the kingdom is. Right in front of you.

Matthew 6:19-24

Stop collecting treasures for your own benefit on earth, where moth and rust eat them and where thieves break in and steal them. Instead, collect treasures for yourselves in heaven, where moth and rust don’t eat them and where thieves don’t break in and steal them. Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

The eye is the lamp of the body. Therefore, if your eye is healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eye is bad, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light in you is darkness, how terrible that darkness will be! No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be loyal to the one and have contempt for the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.

Psalm 20:6-8

Now I know that the Lord saves his anointed one; God answers his anointed one from his heavenly sanctuary, answering with mighty acts of salvation achieved by his strong hand. Some people trust in chariots, others in horses; but we praise the Lord’s name. They will collapse and fall, but we will stand up straight and strong.

Prayer

God,

You have promised heavenly treasures that outweigh what I could envision or imagine. Help me to be grateful for the amazing gifts you have already given: food, shelter, and clothing. But all the more, God, help me to see, know, feel, realize, and actualize the intangible gifts of freedom and peace.

By your Spirit & in Christ,
Amen.