Humans have always been fascinated with the cosmos which is the universe in a structured view. Wikipedia says that mythological cosmology is a way to explain the cosmos based on the religious mythology of a specific tradition. Say what!
Before the telescope, humans could only see stars, sun, moon and some planets with the naked eye. An explanation of heaven corresponds to 7 objects seen that follow a pattern. These include our Moon, Mercury, Venus, Sun, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. Everything else is great dark expanse and billions of stars. I have not attempted to pick out these seven classical planets as described by ancient astronomers, but I trust they can be found. These seven objects related to the seven heavens or divisions of Heaven, also referred as the abode of immortal beings.
In particular the third heaven is considered a lower level of paradise. In some readings of authority but not canonized in the bible, the third heaven is sort of a holding area on the journey to a higher paradise. It is also where those not worthy fall away. It is said the Lord rested there before going up into paradise. You get the picture I hope? Does anyone really know? Not sure if anyone has actually made the trip and returned to tell us. Many seem to have experienced the “out of body” phenomena. Debate continues on what causes this but it is hard dismiss regardless what we believe.
Paul in 2 Corinthians 12:2 refers to the third heaven and some scholars believe he is referring to himself as a revelation. He then says was given a thorn in his body to be humbled. (v7) He pleads relief but the Lord gives him grace enough as power is made perfect in weakness. (V9) What if someone today told you of an out of body experience where they explained entering into paradise and saw things that seemed unexplainable? I suspect most people would consider a candidate for the psychological treatments. A few may believe with some doubt and still a few more may believe 100%. What if the person was from your family or home town? Would that matter? Most likely you may say, “well he or she has always been out there in la la land.? Maybe? Is there any wonder why Paul backed away from his revelation?
How about that Jesus fellow? Where did he get his magic? Isn’t this the carpenter? Isn’t he Mary’s son? His brothers and sisters all live close by and repulsed by his behavior. What an embarrassment to his family. Jesus had much more than an out of body experience. He made claims to a heavenly kingdom. Can you imagine the talk in the neighborhood? So what to do? Move on and share the good news with those who will listen. He even trained his twelve followers to do the same. (Mark 6:1-13)
Keep moving, keep sharing the miracles and focus on heaven’s vision.
T