When I received the email saying my brother John had died suddenly of a heart attack, I was shocked and devastated. John was just 50—too young to leave this earth, I thought, especially since we had recently been talking about reuniting after 15 years apart.
The thought of never seeing John again in this life was overwhelming. My heart ached. Then, I remembered a song John loved to sing:
Heaven is here,
Is here right now.
Heaven is here,
And I’ll tell you how:
Jesus to know,
Is heaven below.
Heaven is here,
Is here right now!
John lived that song. His belief in Jesus sustained him throughout his life. He was devoted to helping others, even serving as a volunteer teacher on an Indian reservation in North Dakota. Unfortunately, that experience led him to a dark place where he became an alcoholic. Yet, John found strength in Jesus and celebrated ten years of sobriety. Then came another challenge: a diagnosis of severe bipolar disorder, requiring anti-psychotic medication.
And now, this—a heart attack at 50! John didn’t show up at work one day, and a concerned friend went to check on him, finding him lying on the kitchen floor. He had apparently suffered a massive heart attack that took his life instantly. In my grief, I found comfort in knowing that John was now in heaven with the Lord.
Jesus, who lived as a human on earth, taught His disciples to pray, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven” (Matthew 6:10). Heaven is a place believers look forward to—a place where there are no tears, no pain, no death (Revelation 21:4). Everything that is wrong with this world will be made right there, as we will be united with Jesus and live in loving union with Him and each other.
Jesus taught us to bring a bit of heaven to earth because the qualities of heaven—peace, love, and justice—are good for us now, not just in eternity. God’s desire is for heaven to begin here and now. Jesus’ words to His disciples were, “The kingdom of heaven has come near.” He instructed them to heal the sick, raise the dead, and drive out demons, reminding them, “Freely you have received; freely give” (Matthew 10:7–8 NIV). This message is still relevant for us today.
Heaven is an eternal reality after we die, but it is also a present reality. This isn’t about pretending the world is perfect or problem-free. It’s about acknowledging the brokenness around us and becoming part of God’s plan to bring healing and hope. We bring heaven to earth by helping people meet Jesus and walk with Him daily. Jesus embodied God’s priorities by loving unconditionally, forgiving generously, and loving the Father with all His heart (Mark 12:30–31). He invites us to do the same.
Thinking about John, Jesus, and heaven brought me comfort and peace. I dried my tears and slept well that night. The next morning, as I stepped into my backyard, I saw something that took my breath away: the two uppermost branches of the largest tree had intertwined, forming the shape of a heart. It reminded me of God’s heart of love. I felt a deep peace overflow my heart, knowing that John is in heaven, wrapped in God’s love.