How High Is the Sky? 

   “While he was blessing them, he departed from them and was taken up to heaven.” (Luke 24: 51) 

    Why do we always look up when we are looking for God?  Where is heaven?  How high do we have to go to get there?  These are all questions that we sometimes consider and wonder about.  But heaven isn’t in the sky.

   The early Christians, who had no knowledge of the universe, assumed that heaven was somewhere above us, perhaps resulting in scripture texts like that above.  The reality was indescribable, but they needed a way of explaining the unexplainable.  Words had to suffice even though no words can truly explain God or heaven.  Only faith can offer comfort in the unknowable.

   But if heaven isn’t above, then where is it?  Jesus said, “Whoever loves me will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our abode with him.” (John 14: 23)  Heaven is already here, it is in the hearts and souls of those who believe.

   I believe that hell is already here as well.  If God comes to those who love him and keep His word, then surely Satan comes to those who reject God; this is hell on earth.

   How high is the sky?  I don’t know if there is an answer to that question.  New technology shows more and more of the universe and there are many who propose that there is no end to it.  But, heaven is not now, nor has it ever been in the sky; it exists in the hearts of those who believe in God and seek His will.