John 14:2, 3
In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.
I distinctly remember the first move that Kristie and I went through as a married couple. We spent only one year in our first residence before packing it all up and moving five minutes across town. The most common question we were asked by those around us was, “Why? Why would you go through all the pain and hassle of moving across town when no one was making you move?” For Kristie and me, the answer was simple. “The place was much nicer, and we got a great deal.” Who wouldn’t move under these situations?
More square footage, better amenities, and an all around cleaner feel led me to wonder if every move we make in our future will lead such a better standard of living. I would like to hope that the answer to this question lies in the affirmative, but the Lord reminded me that in the long run, it really doesn’t matter. I must remember, that as a Christian, this is not my home. I am to consider myself as a stranger living in a land other than my own. Furthermore, Christ reminded me that He has gone to prepare a place for me.
Wow! A future home in glory! What a wonderful promise. I take great joy in knowing that our Savior is currently preparing a place for me to live in for all of eternity. I’ve tried to picture this, but honestly, I don’t believe my imagination could do justice to what the Lord has in mind. Have you ever thought of this? It is amazing the amount hope and peace that this subject can bring to your life. It helps to melt away the fears and the frustrations of our current world. I loved the first apartment that Kristie and I lived in; it will always be our first “home.” As the move approached, however, I found a growing anticipation to leave it… to go on to larger and better things. This is the same mental process that will take place when you, as a believer, begin to focus on what the Lord has in store for you once we leave this earth. If I can keep my mind focused on what is ahead, pressing on to separate myself from earthly things that weigh me down, I will find myself much closer to the peace and comfort awaiting me in heaven.
Don’t get me wrong, we are never commanded to live foolishly or to avoid responsibility. At the same time, however, these things are not to be the cause of worry or anxiety in our lives. How is your life going? Are your family or friends taking a back seat to your job, your hobbies, or even your education? Does the pursuit of money, popularity, or current trends create unwarranted stress and confusion in you life? I challenge you to let go of all of that today. Try focusing your devotion and your attention on the Lord. Spend time in prayer and mediation. Think about all He has done, is preparing, and will do for you!