My granddaughter, Clio, is coming to Michigan! Oh yes, her mom and dad are coming too. And, as soon as my daughter confirmed their trip, preparations were set in motion.
Diapers and Desitin on the counter. The Pac N Play set up in the bedroom. Fresh sheets on the bed. Fresh towels in the bathroom. No need for them to bring shampoo, soap or even a blow dryer. Because with glad and eager hearts, with great anticipation we are preparing for their arrival; we are preparing their rooms. And believe it or not, Jesus is doing the same for us!
The night before Jesus was betrayed, he rehearsed with his disciples what he was to face in the hours to come. In this intimate conversation, he reminded them how his earthly ministry was coming to an end; he would be leaving them. And so, their hearts were filled with deep grief and dismay. But Jesus calmed their troubled hearts with these comforting words:
“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. . . . In my Father’s house there are many rooms, if it were not so, would I have told you that I’m going there to prepare a place for you?” (John 14:1-2 NLT)
Just hours after these words were spoken, Jesus would accomplish the greatest redemptive work for mankind – a way of salvation for humanity – and then he would return to heaven to do something incredible.. He would begin to prepare rooms in the Father’s house in heaven for us.
For you see, Jesus’ words of comfort were not just for his Twelve Disciples but for us – we who are His disciples today! Jesus has already prepared a room for us in heaven.
Fresh sheets! Fresh towels! No reason to try to bring anything from this world to the next. Jesus has already taken care of it. It’s prepared – in the Father’s heavenly house. And all the preparations, all the effort required of Jesus to prepare that room, is motivated out of His extravagant love for each one of us – a love that surpasses any human capacity to love.
So when life gets bumpy, messy and complicated, don’t let your heart be troubled! Just trust in the words of Jesus. Look forward to this truth he declared long ago. He awaits your arrival with great anticipation, eager to show every loving touch, every thoughtful detail of the room He has prepared for you in heaven – in the Father’s house.
Joy Gruits is a Christian educator, speaker, and writer. Her passion is to share a Biblical truths that challenge and motivate people to become devoted followers of Christ who fulfill God's divine purpose for their lives.
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Heavenly. Thank you.
🙂
A very good analogy, Joy. I notice that you use the NLT most of the time and that’s fine. Each one to their own desire. I’ve often said to people when asked which is the best translation. My reply is, “The one you’ll read.” The KJV, to me, is much better particularly in verses 2-3. “In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
We are blessed to have many translations that help us gain a deeper understanding of how to apply God’s Word to our lives. Thank you for your response. I truly appreciate your input. God Bless, Joy
Excellent Article