John 14:1-3 “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God[a]; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 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.

Clean the house. Shop for groceries. Cook a lovely dinner. Set out the good china. Light the candles. The company will arrive soon. Preparations have been underway for some time, and we are ready to welcome our guests. Out of love, we prepare for their coming.

In a far more majestic way, Christ is preparing a place for us and dor all who believe in Him. It is His Father's house, a mansion grander by far than we deserve. His preparations are also done out of love, but it, too, is a love more majestic than the love we show for our earthly guests.

Christ has attended to every detail, and He assures us that everything will be ready when He takes us safely there. This preparation began long ago and culminated in His perfect life, death, and resurrection.

In this farewell discourse, Jesus had just predicted Judas' betrayal and Peter's denial. Yet in these words He seeks to comfort those He loves and bring peace to their troubled hearts. In His dark hours, Jesus was characteristically thinking of others.

Jesus promised to return for His disciples, and that promise includes us. He desires that we be with Him eternally - what perfect love. Do not let your heart be troubled. He is waiting to welcome you home.
--Helping people live life with Jesus everyday,

Rev. Dr. Brent L Parrish